Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the VII International Symposium on Lactic Acid Bacteria (SIBAL 2026), to be held in Tucumán, Argentina. This edition of SIBAL will bring together researchers, students, and professionals from academia and industry to discuss the latest advances in lactic acid bacteria and their impact on health, food, and biotechnology.

Over the last decades, lactic acid bacteria have emerged as key players in areas ranging from functional foods and fermented products to immunomodulation, microbiome research, and sustainable biotechnological processes. SIBAL 2026 aims to provide a dynamic forum to share cutting-edge results, foster interdisciplinary dialogue, and strengthen collaborations among laboratories and institutions worldwide.

This symposium is also a special occasion for us, as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of CERELA, a leading research center in lactic acid bacteria in Latin America. Celebrating SIBAL in Tucumán offers a unique opportunity to highlight the scientific contributions developed in our region, while promoting new partnerships and inspiring the next generation of young scientists in the field.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I would like to extend to you a warm invitation to join us at SIBAL 2026. Your participation, scientific contributions, and active engagement in the discussions will be essential to enrich the program and to shape the future directions of lactic acid bacteria research. We look forward to welcoming you in Tucumán for an inspiring and memorable symposium.

With kind regards,

Jean Guy LeBlanc
President, VII International Symposium on Lactic Acid Bacteria