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BISMiS Live: a digital platform for global communication among microbial systematists.
Kamlesh Jangid1, Wen-Jun Li2, Stephanus Venter3
1Bioenergy Group, and MACS Collection of Microorganisms (MCM), Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune 411004, India.
Systematic and Applied Microbiology
|August 20, 2025
Summary
BISMiS Live, a virtual platform for microbial systematics, connected thousands globally during the CoViD-19 pandemic. This initiative fostered scientific exchange and education, becoming a vital resource for microbial taxonomists.
Area of Science:
- Microbial Systematics
- Bioinformatics
- Scientific Education
Background:
- The CoViD-19 pandemic disrupted traditional scientific discourse and collaboration.
- There was a need for accessible, global platforms for sharing knowledge in microbial systematics.
- The Bergey's International Society for Microbial Systematics (BISMiS) sought to address this gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a virtual platform for global discourse in microbial systematics.
- To provide a forum for renowned experts to share their research.
- To foster community and knowledge exchange among microbial systematists worldwide.
Main Methods:
- Launched a monthly webinar series, BISMiS Live, on March 20, 2021.
- Featured renowned experts in microbial systematics.
- Archived sessions on YouTube for wider accessibility and educational use.
- Managed speaker coordination, technical execution, and global outreach.
Main Results:
- Engaged thousands of participants from 84 countries.
- Became a significant educational resource, integrated into university curricula.
- Inspired the next generation of microbial taxonomists.
- Established a digital bridge connecting systematists globally.
Conclusions:
- BISMiS Live successfully created a sustainable model for global scientific collaboration and education in microbial systematics.
- The platform demonstrated the potential of digital initiatives to overcome geographical barriers in science.
- Future innovations, including thematic series and podcast formats, are planned to further enhance its impact.
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