Welcome

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is with immense excitement and heartfelt warmth that we welcome you to Brisbane for the 22nd Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases (LISSSD 2025).

Reflecting on the 16th LISSSD held in Cairns, Australia, two decades ago, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible journey our global community has shared since then. Over the years, since 1960, this symposium has connected us across continents-sixteen countries and counting-united by a common mission: to deepen our understanding of streptococcal pathogens and to advance the development of life-saving treatments, vaccines, and diagnostics.

Here in Australia, we are acutely aware of the heavy burden streptococcal diseases place on our Indigenous communities, who face some of the highest recorded rates globally. Worldwide, these infections claim more than 650,000 lives each year, affecting people at every stage of life-from before birth to old age. Yet in the face of such challenges, our collective efforts over the past 20 years have sparked remarkable progress. Together, we’ve built a global movement grounded in scientific excellence, compassion, and an unwavering drive to create lasting change.

We chose to host this year’s symposium because we believe in the power of collaboration and shared knowledge. The outstanding quality of submitted abstracts and our distinguished speaker line-up make it clear: this gathering will be a catalyst for further breakthroughs and inspiration alike.

We are truly honoured to welcome each of you, and we look forward to the connections, ideas, and energy that will define LISSSD 2025.

With warmest regards and anticipation,

Manisha Pandey and Michael Good