2021 Tiny Earth Winter Symposium
2021-12-03 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021
11:00-3:00 PM EST/10:00-2:00 PM CST

VIA ZOOM
For TEPIs, for students, and for students’ families & friends!
Join us for the Tiny Earth Winter Symposium! This international event is designed to showcase student research presentations as well as engage students’ families and friends in learning more about antibiotic resistance and the science of discovery. Please encourage your students to attend the conference, present their Tiny Earth research, and invite their families and friends to listen and learn.
REGISTRATION & STUDENT ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS
Register by November 28th. Registration fee for Tiny Earth Partner Instructors (TEPIs) is $20. Students and community members are free.
Students: Register above. If you wish to give a five-minute presentation on your Tiny Earth research, you also need to submit an abstract and research poster by Sunday November 28. For details and to register, visit the student research presentations webpage.
For more details and current updates on the symposium schedule, bookmark this page.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Recognizing the historical legacies of the lands on which Tiny Earth takes place is an important part of every Tiny Earth Symposium. We invite students to apply to present a land acknowledgement about the land on where they began their Tiny Earth journey. We will select one or more applicants to present a brief ‘land acknowledgement’ on the day of the event. These presentations are typically 1-2 minutes long.
We welcome students of all backgrounds to apply to conduct the land acknowledgement for the 2021 Tiny Earth Winter symposium. You do not need to have tribal affiliation to participate. Students can submit a draft of their own land acknowledgement between 150-200 words by November 18th. Learn more and apply here.
Tiny Earth values principles of AJEDI — Antiracism, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. This event is a safe space where students, instructors, and community members may interact and celebrate research and discovery. Please help us maintain a thoughtful and respectful environment for all attendees. We will not tolerate racist, discriminatory, or hurtful language and behavior.
SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE
Friday, December 3, 2021
All times EST

Time
Session
Presenter(s)
Description

11:00am
Welcome
Sarah Miller, Executive Director, Tiny Earth
Brian Merkel, TEPI, UW-Green Bay
Mike Alexander, Chancellor, UW-Green Bay
Heather Pelzel, TEPI, UW-Whitewater
Welcome to the 2021 Tiny Earth Winter Symposium! In this session, we will give an overview of Tiny Earth and our network that now reaches 29 countries in our search for new antibiotics from soil bacteria. We will share network updates and upcoming events, then join together in a land acknowledgement.

11:45am
Plenary
A World Without Soil
Jo Handelsman Founder, Tiny Earth
Can you imagine a world without soil? Join Tiny Earth Founder and Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery Professor Jo Handelsman to celebrate the release of her new book, A World Without Soil!

12:45pm
Break

1:00pm
Student Research Presentations, Session I

Student research is at the center of Tiny Earth. Learn about Tiny Earth student research findings on their path toward antibiotic discovery from bacteria in soil. Help us celebrate their accomplishments!

1:45pm
Break

2:00pm
Student Research Presentations, Session II

Student research is at the center of Tiny Earth. Learn about Tiny Earth student research findings on their path toward antibiotic discovery from bacteria in soil. Help us celebrate their accomplishments!

2:45pm
Closing Remarks
Greg Bleck, VP-R&D, Catalent
COVID-19 Pandemic Status and the Importance of the Tiny Earth Mission

2022 January TEPI Training
2022-01-10 - 2022-01-14 | Zoom

Black History Month
2022-02-01
Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential components to the success of our fields. In recognition of that fact, the American Institute of Physics adopted a Strategic Framework in 2019 that aims to “advance the physical sciences with a unifying voice of strength from diversity.” Further, we are committed to becoming an institution that “leads the physical sciences community toward an impactful understanding of how to be more welcoming to, and supportive of, the full diversity of physical scientists throughout their [education and] careers.” Read more from the American Institute of Physics

UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science
2022-02-11
Full and equal access and participation for women and girls in science
Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over the past decades, the global community has made a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science. Yet women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully in science.
In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015. read more..

Tiny Earth Chemistry Hub Webinar for Students & TEPIs
2022-02-25 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago)
February 25 & March 25, 2022
1:30-2:30pm EST (12:30-1:30pm CST)
Ever wondered where students’ isolates and research goes beyond the classroom? Tiny Earth has an exciting opportunity for students and instructors to learn more about the Tiny Earth Chemistry Hub (TECH). For the first time ever, we are inviting students to join us in a two-part series to showcase our lab’s research and connect various processes in the antibiotic discovery pipeline! From genome extractions to genomic characterization, metabolomic analysis, and antibiotic induction, our scientists will share details about their work and role in Tiny Earth. Join us to learn how student research directly contributes to exciting studies conducted at TECH and the variety of individuals that help advance our fight against antibiotic resistance.
This event is intended only for Tiny Earth Partner Instructors (TEPIs), their students and teaching/lab assistants. To receive Zoom information and event reminders, fill out this sign-up form or contact your instructor.
Check back on this page for updates about event information and agenda!

Women's History Month
2022-03-01

APIDA Heritage Month
2022-05-01

2022 Tiny Earth Summer Symposium (Instructor Day)
2022-05-24 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Save the date! The 2022 Tiny Earth Summer Symposium will be held virtually on May 24th for TEPIs (Tiny Earth Partner Instrutors) and on May 25th for students and instructors. Join us to celebrate antibiotic discovery, learn more about the antibiotic resistance crisis, and showcase student research presentations! Tiny Earth students from around the world are encouraged to attend, present their Tiny Earth research, and invite their families and friends to listen and learn!
REGISTRATION, STUDENT ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS, & TAPAS TALKS

Registration is free for students, community, & TEPIs with students presenting
Registration fee for TEPIs without students presenting is $20
Submissions for Student Presentations & Abstracts will be open April 1—May 1
Instructors interested in giving a 5-minute Tapas Talk about Tiny Earth instructional ideas, research, and other innovations can submit their talks starting April 1

2022 Tiny Earth Summer Symposium
2022-05-25 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Save the date! The 2022 Tiny Earth Summer Symposium will be held virtually on May 25th for students and instructors. Join us to celebrate antibiotic discovery, learn more about the antibiotic resistance crisis, and showcase student research presentations! Tiny Earth students from around the world are encouraged to attend, present their Tiny Earth research.
REGISTRATION, STUDENT ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS, & TAPAS TALKS

Registration is free for students, community, & TEPIs with students presenting
Registration fee for TEPIs without students presenting is $20
Submissions for Student Presentations & Abstracts will be open April 1—May 1
Instructors interested in giving a 5-minute Tapas Talk about Tiny Earth instructional ideas, research, and other innovations can submit their talks starting April 1 More info!

2022 June TEPI Training
2022-06-13 - 2022-06-17 | UW–Madison, Discovery Building, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, 53715, United States
Interested in teaching Tiny Earth? Join us for the next Tiny Earth Partner Instructor (TEPI) Training! Virtual trainings are held the second week in January, and in-person trainings are held every summer (depending on local COVID-19 restrictions).
The next TEPI Training will be held at UW-Madison June 13-17, 2022. More information and link to application.

Juneteenth
2022-06-19
Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of enslaved people in the United States at the end of the Civil War. For more than 150 years, African American communities across the country have observed this holiday. It’s a time to celebrate their power, brilliance and tenacity.
More details to come!

2022 July TEPI Training
2022-07-25 - 2022-07-29 | Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States

2022 WHO's World Antimicrobial Awareness Week
2022-11-18 - 2022-11-24
Celebrated annually, the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) aims to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.
A global action plan to tackle the growing problem of resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines was endorsed at the Sixty-eighth World Health Assembly in May 2015. One of the key objectives of the plan is to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education and training.

2022 Tiny Earth Winter Symposium
2022-12-02 | Zoom
Visit the event page for details & registration

UN's World Soil Day
2022-12-05
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.

2022 Tiny Earth in Titletown
2022-12-09

2023 Tiny Earth Summer Symposium
2023-06-13 - 2023-06-14 | UW–Madison, Discovery Building, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, 53715, United States

2023 July TEPI Training
2023-07-24 - 2023-07-28 | UW–Madison, Discovery Building, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, 53715, United States

TECH Webinar: Advancing the Tiny Earth Pipeline
2023-10-18 11:00 - 12:15 (America/Chicago) | Zoom
Wednesday, October 18 @ 12-1:15 PM ET (11 AM-12:15 PM CT) | Via Zoom
For Tiny Earth students and TEPIs
Meet the Tiny Earth Chemistry Hub (TECH) scientists and learn about how your isolates move through TECH’s antimicrobial discovery pipeline!
Students and their Tiny Earth Partner Instructors (TEPIs) have contributed over 3,600 isolates to TECH’s isolate collection in Dr. Jo Handelsman’s Lab at UW-Madison. At TECH, our interdisciplinary team of researchers investigates high-priority student-sourced bacterial strains to discover new antimicrobial compounds. Join us for this special event showcasing Tiny Earth’s innovative approach to antibiotic discovery beyond the classroom. Meet the TECH scientists and hear about exciting updates to research priorities featuring student-led studies, the Tiny Earth Chemistry Course, and more. Ask your pressing questions during a brief Q&A session at the end.
For a meeting link ask your instructor or email tinyearth@wid.wisc.edu with your Tiny Earth Partner Instructor name and course enrollment details. Instructors can view details on the TEPI website.

2023 World AMR Awareness Week with Tiny Earth
2023-11-18 - 2023-11-24

2023 Tiny Earth Winter Symposium - Tiny Earth in Titletown
2023-12-11 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)

2023 Tiny Earth Virtual Winter Symposium
2023-12-14 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)

2023 January TEPI Training
2024-01-08 - 2024-01-12

TECH Webinar
2024-03-07 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Zoom

2024 Tiny Earth Summer Symposium
2024-06-12 - 2024-06-13 | UW–Madison, Discovery Building, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, 53715, United States

2024 July TEPI Training
2024-07-15 - 2024-07-19 | UW–Madison, Discovery Building, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, 53715, United States

2024 August TEPI Training
2024-08-05 - 2024-08-09 | UW–Madison, Discovery Building, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, 53715, United States

Tiny Earth Chemistry Hub Webinar
2024-10-16 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Join the Zoom

Instructors — Invite your students!
Join us for this special event showcasing the Tiny Earth Chemistry Hub’s (TECH) innovative approach to antibiotic discovery beyond the classroom. At TECH, an interdisciplinary team of researchers investigates high-priority student-sourced bacterial strains to discover new antimicrobial compounds. Meet the TECH scientists and hear exciting updates on emerging research. Students and instructors are encouraged to bring questions.

Join Tiny Earth’s “Every Step Counts” Photo Contest for World AMR Awareness Week
2024-11-18 - 2024-11-24
Tiny Earth is participating in the World Health Organization’s annual World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week November 18-24. This year’s theme for the week is “Educate. Advocate. Act Now.” Tiny Earth and the WHO aim to motivate individuals to raise awareness about AMR and take decisive actions. Students are encouraged to participate in Tiny Earth’s “Every Step Counts” photo contest to raise awareness about the AMR crisis and showcase how they are finding solutions. The name of the contest reflects the importance of recognizing the small, yet crucial steps that make up the antimicrobial-discovery process and lead to valuable scientific breakthroughs. The WHO advocates for increasing AMR education and changing local and global policy to protect community and environmental health.
Interdisciplinary approaches to science communication help educate communities about complex scientific issues like antimicrobial resistance. Tiny Earth is looking for creative and impactful photos from your classrooms and laboratories that highlight the essential steps of the Tiny Earth research flow (e.g., screen plates, gram stains, teamwork, etc.). Each photo contributes to a greater understanding of antimicrobial awareness and showcases the importance of scientific inquiry.

“Every Step Counts” Photo Contest Submission Guidelines

Refer to the calls to action on pages 5-7 in the WHO campaign guide when creating your submissions
Take 1-3 photos from your Tiny Earth class or laboratory, focusing on key moments of the antibiotic discovery process.
Write a 1-2 sentence caption for each photo that creatively connects your work to the WHO’s calls to action.
Submit your photos and captions in the submission form below by November 24th.

Submission Form

Tiny Earth Headquarters will choose winners to receive swag and a shoutout in the newsletter and on social media. Winning submissions will be selected based on creativity and relevance to WHO’s calls to action.

Looking for other ways to get involved during World AMR Awareness Week?

Display posters: Post WHO World AMR Awareness Week posters and infographics throughout your institution
Go blue: Light blue is the color for World AMR Awareness Week. Wear light blue and/or change your social media profile to light blue, post on your Instagram or Facebook and share a post explaining why you’re going blue along with an AMR resource.
Stay connected: Repost and engage with Tiny Earth World AMR Awareness Week Instagram posts. We will be posting all week with trivia, games and resources related to World AMR Awareness Week @tinyearthnet
Spread the word: Share WHO World AMR Awareness Week Resources with your colleagues, classmates, friends, and family.

Tiny Earth Chemistry Hub (TECH) Genomics Webinar
2025-03-04 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
This webinar, designed for students and instructors, features an overview of Tiny Earth, the Tiny Earth Chemistry Hub, current projects, and recent genomics analyses on Tiny Earth strains. Hear from researchers, including staff and students, at the Tiny Earth Chemistry Hub (TECH) about downstream genomics research that happens to many of the antibiotic-producing isolates submitted by Tiny Earth students.
