GMI 15
GMI 15
About
15th Global Microbial Identifier Conference (GMI15)
Please join us in Melbourne, Australia from 8-10 September 2025 for the 15th Global Microbial Identifier Conference (GMI15). This event unites international scientific experts and policy makers working in the field of pathogen genomics in order to discuss solutions and drive change in equitable genomics implementation and data sharing.
GMI15 is hosted by The Centre for Pathogen Genomics at The University of Melbourne. The event is convened by A/Prof Torsten Seemann, a global expert in bioinformatics, renowned for his expertise in microbial genomics and the development of widely-used bioinformatics software.
Key Themes include:
- Data Platforms, Standards & Infrastructure
- Enabling tools, Applications & Platforms
- Interoperability of Surveillance Ecosystems
- Data Sharing: Benefits, Challenges & Platforms
- Navigating Policy & Legislative Environment
Please contact us at gmi-15@unimelb.edu.au with any questions.
Webinar Link
You are invited to the Zoom webinar: GMI15
Join on your computer or mobile app: https://unimelb.zoom.us/j/82911621478?pwd=ybkvShYF4tKvBDBMMpkpMd2qJI86rC.1
Need to dial-in instead? Enter the webinar ID: 829 1162 1478 and Password: 054868 via +61 3 7018 2005 or +61 2 8015 6011
Or join from a H.323/SIP room system:
Dial: 82911621478@global.zoomcrc.com | or SIP: 82911621478@zmau.us | or 103.122.166.55
with webinar ID: 82911621478 and password: 054868
Help: https://unimelb.service-now.com/it | Legal: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/legal
System requirement: Zoom app version 5.5.0 or higher is required to join the webinar.
The University of Melbourne collects your personal information via Zoom to facilitate virtual meetings, webinars and events. This may include your name, email address and any personal information you share via Zoom during the session. The University's General Privacy Statement details how we collect and process personal information. Specific privacy collection notices provided to you at the time your personal information is collected further detail how your personal information will be processed. Refer to Zoom's Privacy Statement for information about how Zoom collects and processes personal information.
Invited Speakers
Dr. Sonia Sia
Dr. Tim Dallman
Dr. Emma Griffiths
Sponsors

Organising Committee
Hosts & Secretariat
GMI Steering Committee
Dr. Masami Takeuchi
Food Safety Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Dr. Adriano Dipasquale
Data Sharing Standards & Bioinformatics Experts
Dr. Tim Dallman
Prof Ben Howden
Director, Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory (MDU PHL)
Dr. Emma Griffiths
Regional Experts
Dr. Ruklanthi De Alwis
Deputy Director, Center for Outbreak Preparedness (COP)
Dr. Sonia Sia
Event Recording
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Registration
Registrations are now closed for GMI15
If you have missed the deadline to register, please email gmi-15@unimelb.edu.au
Event Program
Key Themes include:
- Data Platforms, Standards & Infrastructure
- Data Sharing: Benefits, Challenges & Platforms
- Enabling Tools, Applications & Platforms
- Interoperability of Surveillance Ecosystems
- Navigating Policy & Legislative Environment
- One Health
- Country Perspectives
- Sustainability
ECR Networking Event
Please join us for a relaxed casual coffee and networking event designed for Early Career Researchers and students working in pathogen genomics and microbiology. This is a great opportunity to speak to experts in the field and build your professional network in a relaxed setting. Places are limited so apply quick!
APPLY HERE

Event Details
The Woodward Conference Centre
Address
Getting to The Woodward Conference Centre
Address: Melbourne Law Building, Level 10, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton

By Public Transport
From Flinders Street station, take the number 19 tram (toward Coburg) or 59 tram (toward Airport West) up Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Get off at stop 9, Haymarket/Elizabeth Street. You will need to walk about 250m down Pelham St to reach your destination.
From Spencer Street Station, take any tram up Bourke Street, heading towards Parliament House. Get off at Elizabeth Street and follow the directions as above.
By Car
If you are driving, Melbourne University’s car park can be entered from 244 Bouverie St or entrance at 206 Berkeley St (just off Grattan Street). This car park is occasionally closed to the public from 9:30am, so ensure you get in early. A flat rate of $20 per day will be charged upon exit. Exiting the car park from the lifts, you will need to walk across the University Square Park to the conference centre. There are a number of metered car parks on Royal Parade and Grattan Street. Secure Parking is available on Royal Parade.
Cyclists
Local bicycle facilities include bike lanes that run along Rathdowne, Pelham and Queensbury streets. Bicycle parking can be found scattered along these streets, and there is limited bicycle parking directly out in front of the building.
Accommodation
The following hotels have provided discount codes to be used exclusively by event attendees:
Veriu
Address: 101, Therry Street, Melbourne, VIC
Discounted rates with code: AWWP

- Click book now
- Enter the special code in the top bar
- Code type: select rate access/corporate code
- Click add
Novotel Melbourne Central
*Link will expire on August 24, 2025
Address: 399, Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Discounted rooms with code GMI-PNI
Ibis Melbourne Central
*Link will expire on August 24, 2025
Address: 399, Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Discounted rooms with code GMI-PNI
Travel Advice
Getting to and from the Airport
Bus Service
The SkyBus Melbourne City Express runs daily from 4am to 1am between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne city (Southern Cross Station), with stops conveniently located outside Terminals 1, 3 and 4.
A big red bus is never far away, with departures every 10 minutes during peak times (7am and 7pm) and every 15 minutes outside peak times.
Tickets can be purchased:
- Online at skybus.com.au – tickets valid for 3 months
- Via e-kiosks at our kerbside stops
- With cash sales at Prosegur and Smart Carte baggage storage, located inside Terminal 2 Arrivals hall.
The SkyBus Peninsula Express also runs daily to between Melbourne Airport and St Kilda, Frankston and surrounding bayside suburbs.
For more information about services, fares and schedules, visit skybus.com.au
Please note: SkyBus do not operate services between 1am and 4am.
Ride Share
Melbourne Airport has dedicated rideshare pick-up and drop-off areas to service all Terminals.
Rideshare drivers pick-up passengers from two locations:
- Terminals 1, 2 & 3 – Lane 3 of the forecourt
- Terminal 4 - Level 1, inside the Terminal 4 Car Park
Head towards the designated rideshare pick up zone. Before approaching, make sure the licence plate and driver photo exactly match the car and driver in front of you. If you have a PIN, confirm your PIN with the driver before entering the vehicle. Once you’ve verified everything, now’s the time to load your luggage safely.
Some additional tips
- Do not accept a ride from anyone offering rideshare services inside or outside the airport terminals.
- Do not share your PIN with anyone else.
- Never enter a different vehicle than the one assigned in your app.
- If you have any concerns, please contact the Rideshare operator directly.
Taxis
Taxis are on hand to pick-up arriving passengers with taxi ranks located close to all Terminals. The Melbourne CBD is approximately a 30-minute fare from Melbourne Airport.
Taxi ranks are located close all terminals. The Melbourne CBD is approximately a 30 minute fare from Melbourne Airport.
Estimate your fare here.
For your safety, please decline offers of taxis both inside and outside the terminals. Authorised taxis wait at designated taxi ranks at T1 and T4, clearly marked with signage. This ensures licensed and safe drivers, keeping you away from potential scams.
More advice on how to get to and from the airport here
Visa Information
All visitors to Australia are required to hold a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia. In order to visit Australia for GHS2024 there are a number of different visa options available to you. The appropriate visa will depend, amongst other things, on your purpose for visiting Australia. We recommend you apply at least a month in advance just in case the approval process is delayed.
As of 6 July 2022, if you’re visiting from overseas, quarantine-free travel is available for travellers to Australia and proof of vaccination is not required – please continue to visit Home Affairs to ensure you meet the criteria.
Currently there are no vaccination requirements for entering Australia, however, if you enter Australia from a yellow fever declared country but do not hold a vaccination certificate you will receive a Yellow Fever Action Card for further information. More information can be found on the Department of Health of the Australian Government website.
How to apply got an Australian Visa
- Visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
- Select entering and leaving Australia then Entering Australia
- Select EXPLORE Visa Option then Visit and tourism
- Fill out the information asked to find the correct visa for you
Explore Visa Types
ETA (601)
- Online application process
- Cost – there is no visa application charge (VAC). There may be an application service charge of AUD 20
- Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and ETA will be determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds. Further information on this visa can be found here.
eVisitor (651)
- Online application process
- Cost – no charge
- Further information on this visa can be found here.
Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
- Online Application Process
- Cost - $150 AUD
- Applicants must be a genuine visitor travelling to Australia for business visitor activities and be outside Australia when applying. Further information on this visa can be found here.
Visit Melbourne
Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is an authentic, bustling, inner-city market that has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for 140 years. Home to over 600 small businesses, it is a great place to discover fresh and specialty produce, hand-made and unique products, great coffee and food, souvenirs and clothing.
Image: Visit Melbourne
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. Situated over two magnificent buildings – NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia – the Gallery hosts a wide range of international and local artists, exhibitions, programs and events; from contemporary art to major international historic exhibitions, fashion and design, architecture, sound and dance.
Image: Visit Victoria
Melbourne Zoo
Journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne. Nestled within this urban oasis, over 320 species call Melbourne Zoo home!
Image: Visit Victoria
Phillip Island
Home to the Little Penguins, idyllic beaches, captivating coastlines, unique wildlife, family fun activities and world-class events, adventure awaits you on Phillip Island.
Image: Visit Victoria
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is a zoo in Healesville, Victora, specialising in Australian native wildlife. It's known for its extensive collection of Australian animals and its work in breeding and conservation efforts, particularly for endangered species.
Image: Visit Victoria
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is one of the best places close to Melbourne for a day trip. A favourite destination for Melburnians’ coastal holidays and winter escapes, the region is home to national parks, surf beaches, spas, restaurants, and wineries – all just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne.
Sorrento Pier, Mornington Peninsula. Image: Visit Victoria.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the email address below
- gmi-15@unimelb.edu.au