Introducing the IBBS Webinar Series 2026 – Global Topics, Global Experts
The International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society (IBBS) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 IBBS Webinar Series, organised by our Country Representatives (CRs). Each webinar will highlight a key topic within the broad IBBS scope, featuring experts from around the world.
What to Expect from the IBBS Webinar Series:
2–4 webinars per year
Topics across biodeterioration, biodegradation and applied microbiology
Global perspectives from IBBS Country Representatives
Insights into marine systems, cultural heritage, corrosion, bioremediation, industrial microbiology, modelling and more
Heritage buildings not only age, they also interact with microbial communities that colonise, transform, and, in some cases, deteriorate them. This webinar explores this entire cycle, from the environmental factors that facilitate colonisation (humidity, temperature, radiation, and microclimate) to the biochemical reactions that transform microbial life into visible and invisible damage to stone. Modern tools for studying biodeterioration in historic buildings, from in-situ monitoring to microbiological and molecular analysis, will be reviewed.
Speakers:
Ji-Dong Gu, Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), China
What damage do microorganisms cause on buildings? From microbes to the biochemical reactions of destruction.
Christine Gaylarde, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, Oklahoma University, United States
How can we control microorganisms on buildings? Control of deteriorating microorganisms on historic buildings..
Otto Ortega, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Mexico
What determines how microorganisms grow on buildings? Environmental determinants of microbial colonisation of historic buildings.
The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session.
The 2026 IBBS Webinars are free and last just one hour. To join webinar 2 on Thursday 7th May – 12:00 in London, 16:00 in Beijing, 18:00 in Sydney – follow this link (coming soon).
