To further improve patients care, it is crucial to continue to develop new tools providing faster results, with a broader diversity of pathogenic agents with very high sensivity and specificity. To reach these goals, it is important to be aware of the new innovative methods that have recently been developed and to exchange knowledge and ideas on the future of diagnostic microbiology, including the emerging indications of metagenomics for non-infectious diseases such as obesity and asthma. This course thus aims to provide a unique platform to learn about the strengths and limitations of new diagnostic tools including Maldi-TOF, molecular diagnosis, genomics and metagenomics, as well as novel innovative technics such as nanoplasmonic sensors and atomic force microscopy. The course also offers a unique opportunity for participants to gain practical experience during the twelve different practicals led by local microbiologists.