International Symposium on Aeromonas and Plesiomonas
ISAP 2026
Celebrate 40 Years of Discovery at the 14th International Symposium on Aeromonas and Plesiomonas (ISAP 2026)
June 1-3, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Join us in celebrating a landmark occasion, the 40th anniversary of ISAP, a symposium that since 1986 has brought together scientists from around the world to advance knowledge on Aeromonas and Plesiomonas. These genera, now recognized as important within the One Health framework, are opportunistic pathogens with zoonotic potential, influencing human, animal, and environmental health.
Held every three years, ISAP has become the premier forum for researchers in this field. The 2026 edition will gather leading experts to present cutting-edge discoveries, exchange ideas, and build collaborations across disciplines such as aquaculture, environmental microbiology, infectious diseases, and host-microbiome interactions.
This milestone symposium will also honor the legacy of pioneers including Alex von Graevenitz, Rita R. Colwell, Sam Joseph, Amy Carnahan, J. Michael Janda, Sharon L. Abbott, R. Sakazaki, R.H. Schubert and Brian Austin whose foundational contributions, from defining Aeromonas ecology and serology to documenting its global distribution in aquatic environments and its impact in aquiculture and human health, set the stage for decades of innovation. From the very first meeting in Manchester (UK) up to the most recent one in Wroclaw (Poland) transformative concepts have been introduced, such as the now widely recognized viable but nonculturable state of Aeromonas and its capacity to multiply in wastewater revealed by metagenomics. The importance of this organism in aquaculture and human health continues to rise to the forefront. Whether you are a long-standing investigator or a newcomer to the field, ISAP 2026 is an opportunity not to be missed to join our international community, explore the latest omics-driven insights, and help shape the future of microbial science.
Let’s celebrate four decades of scientific progress together
Registration still open!
Registration $425 investigator, $325 student, $100 guest. Includes continental breakfast, lunch June 1 and 2, and Conference Dinner Cruise
Late Breaking Abstracts submissions accepted until May 11
Environmental Drivers of Infectious Diseases During Climate Change
Distinguished University Professor Emerita at the University of Maryland
Dr. Colwell was one of the pioneering researchers participating in the first International Symposium on Aeromonas and Plesiomonas. We are pleased to welcome her as our Keynote speaker for ISAP 2026.
French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses), Ploufragan, France
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Aeromonas in aquaculture: What's up doc?
Universitat Rovira I Virgili
Two Decades of Change: The Expanding Taxonomy of Aeromonas (2005-2025)
Auburn University
Global spread and disease control of hyper-virulent Aeromonas hydrophila in aquaculture
University Miguel Hernández
Phylogenetic framework of zoonotic Aeromonas spp., a cornerstone for genetic diagnostics
Université Laval
The Multiple Identities of Aeromonas salmonicida: What the Characterization of Mesophilic Strains Reveals and How Not to Miss Them
University of Texas Medical Branch
Unraveling the Virulence Repertoire and Landscape of Clinical Aeromonas Isolates
Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Science
Plesiomonas shigelloides: an overlooked enteric pathogen with global impact
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Combining comparative and functional genomics to identify novel virulence factors in Aeromonas caviae
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
One Health Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance: Lessons from Aeromonas Populations
University of Hawaii at Manoa
A New Look at the S-Layer Protein in Aeromonas
University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences
Comparative genomics of carbapenem resistant Aeromonas spp. isolated from hospitals and community wastewater
Welcome to ISAP 2026! Topics include
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Taxonomy and Identification
Antimicrobial Resistance
One Health and Climate Change
Aquaculture
Clinical, Virulence, and Pathology
Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Spotlight on Plesiomonas
Abstracts due March 22 at 11:59 pm CST. Late breaking abstracts for posters will be accepted until May 11.
Submission information
Abstracts must be submitted in Microsoft Word and shall not exceed 400 words
The title of the abstract should clearly define the work presented
Don’t forget to mention the names of the authors and their affiliation(s); the number of co-authors is limited to max. 10
The Advisory Board will determine whether the abstract will be accepted for a poster presentation
Submission of an abstract acknowledges the author’s acceptance for the abstract to be published in the book of abstracts
Presenting authors must be registered and paid participants
Posters should measure 44 inches wide by 36 inches tall. A template with logo is provided in conference resources or you can provide your own format
Accommodations at Saint Kate
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel offers a modern luxury experience with an artful twist. Special room rates for the conference is $106 US plus tax until May 10, 2026. Saint Kate is an approximately 3 block walk to the conference venue along Milwaukee’s River Walk. Saturday May 30 to Wednesday June 3 are available.
Getting to Milwaukee, Hotels, and Tours
Getting to Milwaukee by Air: The closest airport is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport which is just a 10-15 minute drive from downtown. O'Hare International Airport, located in Chicago, is 80 miles to the south, with bus service from O'Hare International Airport to downtown Milwaukee with the depot only a few blocks from the conference hotels and venue.
The meeting will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education located in downtown Milwaukee just a few blocks from most hotels. Address: 161 W Wisconsin Ave Suite #6000, Milwaukee, WI.
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel offers a modern luxury experience with an artful twist. Special room rates for the conferences are $106 US plus tax. You can book the conference rate here: UW Milwaukee Meeting Saint Kate Booking Link
Saturday May 30 to Wednesday June 3 are available
Stay tuned for details on the best of what Milwaukee offers with art museums, brewery tours, and river cruises!
Organizing Committee
Troy Skwor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Co-Chair); Sandra McLellan, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Co-chair); Ashok Chopra, University of Texas Medical Branch; Mark Liles, Auburn University; Po-lin Chen, National Cheng Kung University Hospital; Steve Charette, Université Laval; Marta Kaszowska, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy; Maria José Figueras, University Rovira i Virgili; Antonio Martinez-Murcia, University Miguel Hernández; Graciela Castro-Escarpulli, National Polytech Institute
Sponsors
Location
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
161 West Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
United States, 53201
Dates
Registration period:
August 29, 2025 - 11:36 AM CDT - June 3, 2026 - 12:00 PM CDT
Submission period:
December 5, 2025 - 11:59 PM CST - May 25, 2026 - 11:59 PM CDT
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact mclellan@uwm.edu
