Microbiology Professional Committee

Supporting Clinical Microbiologists, Shaping the Future of Infection Science

The Microbiology Professional Committee (MPC) is the voice of clinical microbiologists within LabMed, advocating for the profession, influencing policy and training, and supporting scientific and clinical excellence across the UK.

We represent microbiologists working across NHS and academic settings, including those in diagnostic laboratories, public health, clinical research, and infection prevention. Whether you're early in your training or an experienced consultant Clinical Scientist, the MPC exists to champion your role and connect you to a vibrant, forward-looking professional community.

 

Who We Are

The MPC sits within the wider structure of LabMed as the professional body representing Clinical Microbiologists – a subgroup of Clinical Scientists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – and other scientists and healthcare professionals with an interest in infection. Clinical Scientist is a legally protected title in the UK, and they play a key role in science-led patient care. Our elected members lead on LabMed’s microbiology strategy, working on behalf of peers across the UK to influence policy, shape training pathways, and strengthen professional identity.

Our roots lie in the Association of Clinical Microbiologists (ACM), which was founded in 1984 to advocate for the profession in areas such as job descriptions, grading, and national recruitment standards. This work continues today within LabMed, where the MPC carries forward the mission of advancing clinical microbiology through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

 

What We Do

We work across the microbiology and wider healthcare ecosystem to ensure clinical microbiology is central to infection science and service delivery. Our key areas of activity include:

• Shaping Education and Training
  We collaborate with the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) to influence postgraduate training programmes, such as the Scientist Training Programme (STP) and Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST). This ensures that curricula stay aligned with service needs and equip trainees with the skills required for modern microbiology. We also offer information and support for individuals who wish to become registered as Clinical Scientists via an equivalence route.
• Influencing Policy and Standards
  Members of the committee represent LabMed on the Royal College of Pathologists’ Microbiology Specialist Advisory Committee, where we help shape national guidance and professional standards.
  We also work with other partners, including the British Infection Association (BIA), and the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) to contribute to documents, such as guide departments and Trusts on topics like appointing consultant Clinical Scientists in microbiology and virology and the Infection Specialist Workforce Report.
• Leading at National Conferences
  We curate and deliver sessions at major events, including the Federation of Infection Societies (FIS) conference and LabMed’s own meetings. Our sessions bring together voices from diagnostics, academia, and industry to explore innovation, leadership, and career development in clinical microbiology.
• Building Strategic Partnerships
  We engage with organisations such as the Microbiology Society – offering LabMed members access to their journals and collaborative workshops – and with academic institutions like the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, advising on course development to meet national training standards.
• Creating Learning Opportunities
  Our monthly online clinical case discussions provide a space for peer learning, reflection, and debate. These interactive sessions are open to all and regularly feature real-world diagnostic challenges led by experienced professionals. The LabMed online Learning Academy hosts a growing repository of infection-specific content.

 

Why Join?

If you're a clinical microbiologist – or training to become one – joining LabMed and engaging with the MPC connects you to:

• A national professional community with shared values and ambitions
• A platform to influence policy, training, and standards
• Leadership and networking opportunities
• Exclusive learning resources, journal access, and educational events
• Representation and advocacy on issues that matter to your career
• Access to our mentorship scheme to support you in various areas, including those wishing to gain HCPC-registration as a Clinical Scientist via an equivalence route

Whether you're interested in shaping the future of the profession or simply want to stay informed and connected, there’s a place for you here.

 

Get Involved

We're always looking for passionate professionals to join our community. Opportunities include:

• Attending clinical case discussions and workshops
• Joining subgroups or working parties on specialist topics
• Standing for election to the committee
• Contributing to policy and training consultations
• Speaking at national events

Interested? Contact us to learn more or get involved.

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