On 17 September, the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Universidade Católica Portuguesa joins the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) in celebrating International Microorganism Day 2026, with Drawing the Invisible: Humour Meets Microbiology, an interactive event that invites participants to discover the fascinating microbial world through science, humour and illustration.
Throughout the day, participants will explore the diversity and importance of microorganisms, discover how humour and visual storytelling can be used to communicate science, and take part in a hands-on workshop to create their own microbiology-inspired cartoon.
The event brings together microbiologists, illustrators and participants from different backgrounds in a creative and engaging learning environment. No previous drawing experience is required. The cartoons created during the event will be showcased in an online gallery, where the public will be invited to vote for their favourite in the People's Choice Award.
Participation is free of charge and open to students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, artists and anyone with an interest in science and science communication.
17 September 2026 | Faculty of Dental Medicine | Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Programme of the Day
10:30 – Welcome - Introduction to International Microorganism Day and the objectives of the event.
10:45 – Discovering the Invisible World - An engaging session led by microbiologists exploring the diversity of microorganisms and their essential roles in health, food, biotechnology, the environment and everyday life.
11:30 – Communicating Science Through Humour - An interactive workshop introducing humour, visual storytelling and the principles of communicating microbiology to different audiences through cartoons and illustration.
12:30 – Lunch Break
14:00 – Drawing the Invisible - A practical illustration workshop where participants work alongside microbiologists and illustrators to create an original cartoon communicating a microbiology concept of their choice.
16:00 – Closing Session - Presentation of the cartoons, group discussion.
Come and discover microbiology in a different way — through science, humour and creativity.
