The Institute of Microbiology attaches great importance to cooperation with international scientific community and industries. It has established a network of international collaborations with many countries, such as the US, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Brazil, South Africa, Costa Rica, and so on.  The institute developed different collaborative programs and projects with international organizations, including academic research projects, guest professors and exchange students program. Each year it organizes several international meetings in different areas of microbiology to further promote communication and exchanges in the international community. The international orientation of the institute is an indispensable precondition for its scientific excellence and competitiveness.