American Society for Microbiology
Encyclopedia
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is a professional organization for scientists who study viruses
, bacteria
, fungi, algae
, and protozoa
as well as other aspects of microbiology
. Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye and which must be viewed with a microscope. ASM membership includes scientists who do basic research into the nature and lives of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganism
s. ASM membership also includes scientists who work in the field of applied microbiology, for example, researching cures for diseases caused by microorganisms, or the potential for microorganisms to create cheeses from milk, to generate fuels, or to clean up oil spills.
Again, based on its website, to achieve these goals, ASM:
Eligibility to become a full member of the society is open to any person who is interested in microbiology and holds at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualifications in microbiology or a related field. Many members hold advanced degrees, including at the Master's, PhD, ScD, DrPH and MD level. Students enrolled in microbiology classes or classes in a related field are eligible to become student members.
Through its SCOPE program the society helps organize and manage scientific meetings for external organizations such as the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases
The society also publishes Microbe
, a monthly news magazine for members as well as a full library of textbooks through its publishing arm ASM Press. A selection of articles from Microbe, Focus on Microbiology Education and Microbiology Education are available online via the MicrobeLibrary
resource.
In 2003, the ASM issued the public policy report Global Environmental Change - Microbial Contributions, Microbial Solutions, wherein they recommend “reducing net anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere” and “minimizing anthropogenic disturbances of” atmospheric gasses:
The board provides support for both students and educators at all levels. Programs of the education board include: the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, a four-day meeting designed to support minority involvement in biomedical and behavioral sciences, the ASM BioQUEST Bioinformatics Institute, an annual program for faculty interested in implementing bioinformatics across a curriculum, the ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators, an annual conference of nearly 300 college biology faculty dedicated to educational excellence, the Biology Scholars Program and the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, a peer-reviewed publication about research in learning microbiology.
The education board offers a comprehensive website, with resources for graduate students and post-doctoral scientists. Microbe Library is an online publication of over 1500 peer-reviewed resources for undergraduate microbiology education.
The academy regularly convenes colloquia for in-depth analysis of critical issues in microbiology and publishes scientifically well-founded that provide expert advice and practical recommendations.
The academy administers ASM scientific achievement awards that honor important contributions to basic and applied research, microbiology education, and scientific and professional leadership.
The American College of Microbiology, located within the academy, includes three boards dedicated to the professional certification of microbiologists.
ASM International Programs include:
International Grants and Fellowships
ASM International Laboratory Capacity Building (LabCap)
ASM International Ambassadors Program
ASM International Mentoring Program
ASM Volunteer Translators Network
ASM Global Outreach Program
The ASM's website is aimed at teaching about microbiology in general. It includes information about microorganisms, microbiologists, current events and news, and links to resources.
Currently ASM produces MicrobeWorld Video and Meet the Scientist. MicrobeWorld Video is a video podcast that highlights the latest in microbiology, life science and biotechnology news. Covering diverse topics ranging from scientific conferences, events, museums and science comedians, MicrobeWorld Video launched in April 2007.
Launched in 2008, Meet the Scientist is a biweekly podcast highlighting one scientist; what they are working on, their interests, why they became involved in science, and where they see their discipline headed. Initially, the program was hosted by Merry Buckley, a long time science writer with a PhD in Environmental Microbiology. On September 11, 2009, Merry Buckley passed the role of host to noted science writer, Carl Zimmer
.
From 1997 - 2008, ASM produced the daily MicrobeWorld Radio show. MicrobeWorld produced 260 unique shows each year highlighting the process of discovery, historical changes in research, and a variety of scientific careers in industry, academia, and government. Radio features included interview segments with leading scientists in the field and were reviewed by a panel of scientists with expertise in a variety of research fields to ensure content accuracy.
In November, 2006, Moselio Schaechter, a microbiologist and former president of the ASM, expanded the ASM's public outreach program by creating an educational blog, Small Things Considered. Early in 2007, he was joined by science writer and editor, Merry Youle. The blog has earned a reputation for accessible, high quality posts about research and current issues in microbiology.citation required
Since 1996, the ASM has conducted its Operation Clean Hands campaign to educate the public on the importance of handwashing to individual and public health. To help promote the campaign, every few years the Society conducts an independent survey of handwashing behaviors in public restrooms. The last survey, conducted in August 2005, found that while 91 percent of adults say they always wash their hands after going to the bathroom, only 83 percent were actually observed doing so.
The ASM Public Communications Award, sponsored by ASM, recognizes outstanding achievement in increasing public awareness, knowledge and understanding of microbiology. Print, broadcast and online journalists are nominated for individual items and series they produce during the calendar year. Applicants may nominate themselves. Nominees are judged by a committee of their peers. The award consists of a $2,500 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, and travel expenses to attend the ASM General Meeting for presentation of the award.
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Kentucky-Tennessee: This territory includes all zip codes in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee.
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Virus
A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea...
, bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a wide range of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals...
, fungi, algae
Algae
Algae are a large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms, such as the giant kelps that grow to 65 meters in length. They are photosynthetic like plants, and "simple" because their tissues are not organized into the many...
, and protozoa
Protozoa
Protozoa are a diverse group of single-cells eukaryotic organisms, many of which are motile. Throughout history, protozoa have been defined as single-cell protists with animal-like behavior, e.g., movement...
as well as other aspects of microbiology
Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are defined as any microscopic organism that comprises either a single cell , cell clusters or no cell at all . This includes eukaryotes, such as fungi and protists, and prokaryotes...
. Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye and which must be viewed with a microscope. ASM membership includes scientists who do basic research into the nature and lives of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganism
Microorganism
A microorganism or microbe is a microscopic organism that comprises either a single cell , cell clusters, or no cell at all...
s. ASM membership also includes scientists who work in the field of applied microbiology, for example, researching cures for diseases caused by microorganisms, or the potential for microorganisms to create cheeses from milk, to generate fuels, or to clean up oil spills.
History
ASM was founded in 1899 under the name the "Society of American Bacteriologists." In December 1960, it was renamed the "American Society for Microbiology."Mission
According to the ASM website , the mission of the American Society for Microbiology is to:- Advance the microbiological sciences,
- Apply the study of microbiology to increase understanding of the physical processes of life, and to
- Communicate this knowledge throughout society to support improvements in health, the environment, and the economy.
Again, based on its website, to achieve these goals, ASM:
- Supports programs of education, training, and public information,
- Publishes books and journals,
- Convenes workshops, meetings, and conferences,
- Recognizes achievement and distinction among its practitioners,
- Sets standards of ethical and professional behavior, and
- Generally, furthers the development of the field of microbiology.
Membership
ASM is based in the United States, and has 43,000 members throughout the world, one-third of whom live outside the United States. It is the largest life science professional organization in the world.Eligibility to become a full member of the society is open to any person who is interested in microbiology and holds at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualifications in microbiology or a related field. Many members hold advanced degrees, including at the Master's, PhD, ScD, DrPH and MD level. Students enrolled in microbiology classes or classes in a related field are eligible to become student members.
Governance
The Society is governed by an international board of directors. Members of the board of directors include microbiologists from various parts of the globe.Meetings
The ASM holds three international meetings annually: the ASM General Meeting, which focuses on microbiology, and the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, known as ICAAC, one of the world's foremost meetings on infectious diseases. The society also holds the annual ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting and numerous smaller conferences devoted to specialized areas of research.Through its SCOPE program the society helps organize and manage scientific meetings for external organizations such as the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases
Publications
The society publishes twelve academic journals, as well as a minireview collection of all journals.- Antimicrobial Agents and ChemotherapyAntimicrobial Agents and ChemotherapyAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy is an academic journal published by the American Society for Microbiology. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy is a major forum devoted exclusively to antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic agents and chemotherapy...
- Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyApplied and Environmental MicrobiologyApplied and Environmental Microbiology is a online and print bimonthly academic journal published by the American Society for Microbiology. The title is commonly abbreviated AEM and the ISSN is 0099-2240 for the print version, and 1098-5336 for the electronic version...
- Clinical and Vaccine ImmunologyClinical and Vaccine ImmunologyClinical and Vaccine Immunology is an academic journal published by the American Society for Microbiology. The title is commonly abbreviated CVI and the ISSN is 1556-6811 for the print version, and 1556-679X for the electronic version....
- Clinical Microbiology ReviewsClinical Microbiology ReviewsClinical Microbiology Reviews is an academic journal published by the American Society for Microbiology. The title is commonly abbreviated CMR and the ISSN is 0893-8512 for the print version, and 1098-6618 for the electronic version....
- Eukaryotic CellEukaryotic CellEukaryotic Cell is an academic journal published by the American Society for Microbiology. The title is commonly abbreviated EC and the ISSN is 1535-9778 for the print version, and 1535-9786 for the electronic version....
- Infection and ImmunityInfection and ImmunityInfection and Immunity is a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Society for Microbiology. It focuses on interactions between bacterial, fungal, or parasitic pathogens and their hosts...
- Journal of Bacteriology
- Journal of Clinical MicrobiologyJournal of Clinical MicrobiologyThe Journal of Clinical Microbiology is a medical journal published by the American Society for Microbiology....
- Journal of VirologyJournal of VirologyThe Journal of Virology is an academic journal that covers research concerning viruses, using cross-disciplinary approaches including biochemistry, biophysics, cell and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, morphology, physiology and pathogenesis...
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology ReviewsMicrobiology and Molecular Biology ReviewsMicrobiology and Molecular Biology Reviews is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the American Society for Microbiology.- History :...
- Molecular and Cellular BiologyMolecular and Cellular Biology (journal)Molecular and Cellular Biology is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the American Society for Microbiology.-See also:* Journal of Cell and Molecular Biology* Annual Review of Plant Biology...
- mBioMBiomBio is a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Society for Microbiology . ASM has been publishing microbiology research since 1916, and mBio represents ASM’s first cross-discipline, open-access publication....
The society also publishes Microbe
Microbe Magazine
Microbe is the monthly news magazine of the American Society for Microbiology that is published in print and online . The print version is distributed to the more than 43,000 members of the ASM. The online archive includes all issues since October 2006...
, a monthly news magazine for members as well as a full library of textbooks through its publishing arm ASM Press. A selection of articles from Microbe, Focus on Microbiology Education and Microbiology Education are available online via the MicrobeLibrary
MicrobeLibrary
MicrobeLibrary is a permanent collection of over 1400 original peer-reviewed resources for teaching undergraduate microbiology. It is provided by the American Society for Microbiology, Washington DC, United States....
resource.
Public affairs
Through its Public and Scientific Affairs Board (PSAB) the society regularly monitors public policy, specifically the United States federal government and Congress and provides comment and testimony on issues that affect microbiology.In 2003, the ASM issued the public policy report Global Environmental Change - Microbial Contributions, Microbial Solutions, wherein they recommend “reducing net anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere” and “minimizing anthropogenic disturbances of” atmospheric gasses:
- Carbon dioxide concentrations were relatively stable for the past 10,000 years but then began to increase rapidly about 150 years ago…as a result of fossil fuel consumption and land use change.
- Of course, changes in atmospheric composition are but one component of global change, which also includes disturbances in the physical and chemical conditions of the oceans and land surface. Although global change has been a natural process throughout Earth’s history, humans are responsible for substantially accelerating present-day changes. These changes may adversely affect human health and the biosphereBiosphereThe biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems. It can also be called the zone of life on Earth, a closed and self-regulating system...
on which we depend.
- Outbreaks of a number of diseases, including Lyme diseaseLyme diseaseLyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is an emerging infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto is the main cause of Lyme disease in the United States, whereas Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii cause most...
, hantavirus infections, dengue feverDengue feverDengue fever , also known as breakbone fever, is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles...
, bubonic plagueBubonic plaguePlague is a deadly infectious disease that is caused by the enterobacteria Yersinia pestis, named after the French-Swiss bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin. Primarily carried by rodents and spread to humans via fleas, the disease is notorious throughout history, due to the unrivaled scale of death...
, and choleraCholeraCholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission occurs primarily by drinking or eating water or food that has been contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected person or the feces...
, have been linked to climate change.
Education
The Education Board’s mission is to promote access, excellence, professional development, and advancement in microbiology education, promote the community of microbiology students and educators, and lead in microbiology education worldwide.The board provides support for both students and educators at all levels. Programs of the education board include: the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, a four-day meeting designed to support minority involvement in biomedical and behavioral sciences, the ASM BioQUEST Bioinformatics Institute, an annual program for faculty interested in implementing bioinformatics across a curriculum, the ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators, an annual conference of nearly 300 college biology faculty dedicated to educational excellence, the Biology Scholars Program and the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, a peer-reviewed publication about research in learning microbiology.
The education board offers a comprehensive website, with resources for graduate students and post-doctoral scientists. Microbe Library is an online publication of over 1500 peer-reviewed resources for undergraduate microbiology education.
American Academy of Microbiology
The American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) is the honorific leadership group within the ASM. The AAM is the only group of its kind devoted entirely to microbiologists and the science of microbiology. Members of the AAM, are elected through a highly selective, annual, peer-reviewed process, based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology.The academy regularly convenes colloquia for in-depth analysis of critical issues in microbiology and publishes scientifically well-founded that provide expert advice and practical recommendations.
The academy administers ASM scientific achievement awards that honor important contributions to basic and applied research, microbiology education, and scientific and professional leadership.
The American College of Microbiology, located within the academy, includes three boards dedicated to the professional certification of microbiologists.
International programs
Through its international board, the ASM conducts a number of activities designed to support microbiology research worldwide. The board aims to develop, sustain and promote the global activities of the ASM by providing a diverse array of educational programs and services, developing programs and services that enable ASM to understand and meet the needs of its international members, and building international laboratory capacity for all clinical microbiology in resource-limited countries.ASM International Programs include:
International Grants and Fellowships
ASM International Laboratory Capacity Building (LabCap)
ASM International Ambassadors Program
ASM International Mentoring Program
ASM Volunteer Translators Network
ASM Global Outreach Program
Public education initiatives
Through its Communications Committee, the ASM operates a number of public outreach initiatives designed to educate the general public about the importance of microbiology to their daily lives and behaviors that can help improve public health.The ASM's website is aimed at teaching about microbiology in general. It includes information about microorganisms, microbiologists, current events and news, and links to resources.
Currently ASM produces MicrobeWorld Video and Meet the Scientist. MicrobeWorld Video is a video podcast that highlights the latest in microbiology, life science and biotechnology news. Covering diverse topics ranging from scientific conferences, events, museums and science comedians, MicrobeWorld Video launched in April 2007.
Launched in 2008, Meet the Scientist is a biweekly podcast highlighting one scientist; what they are working on, their interests, why they became involved in science, and where they see their discipline headed. Initially, the program was hosted by Merry Buckley, a long time science writer with a PhD in Environmental Microbiology. On September 11, 2009, Merry Buckley passed the role of host to noted science writer, Carl Zimmer
Carl Zimmer
Carl Zimmer is a popular science writer and blogger, especially regarding the study of evolution and parasites. He has written several books and contributes science essays to publications such as The New York Times and Discover...
.
From 1997 - 2008, ASM produced the daily MicrobeWorld Radio show. MicrobeWorld produced 260 unique shows each year highlighting the process of discovery, historical changes in research, and a variety of scientific careers in industry, academia, and government. Radio features included interview segments with leading scientists in the field and were reviewed by a panel of scientists with expertise in a variety of research fields to ensure content accuracy.
In November, 2006, Moselio Schaechter, a microbiologist and former president of the ASM, expanded the ASM's public outreach program by creating an educational blog, Small Things Considered. Early in 2007, he was joined by science writer and editor, Merry Youle. The blog has earned a reputation for accessible, high quality posts about research and current issues in microbiology.citation required
Since 1996, the ASM has conducted its Operation Clean Hands campaign to educate the public on the importance of handwashing to individual and public health. To help promote the campaign, every few years the Society conducts an independent survey of handwashing behaviors in public restrooms. The last survey, conducted in August 2005, found that while 91 percent of adults say they always wash their hands after going to the bathroom, only 83 percent were actually observed doing so.
The ASM Public Communications Award, sponsored by ASM, recognizes outstanding achievement in increasing public awareness, knowledge and understanding of microbiology. Print, broadcast and online journalists are nominated for individual items and series they produce during the calendar year. Applicants may nominate themselves. Nominees are judged by a committee of their peers. The award consists of a $2,500 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, and travel expenses to attend the ASM General Meeting for presentation of the award.
Branches
Branch and Region BoundariesRegion 1
- Northeast: This territory includes all zip codes in the states of Maine and Vermont; New Hampshire zip code areas 03000-03399, 03500-03599, and 03800-03899; and Massachusetts zip code areas 01700-02799.
- Connecticut Valley: This territory includes all zip codes in the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island, New Hampshire zip code areas 03400-03499 and 03600-03799, and Massachusetts zip code areas 01000-01699.
- New York City: This territory includes New York City zip code areas 09000-11999 and 12500-12699.
- Eastern New York: This territory includes New York zip code areas 12000-12499, 12700-12999 and 13300-13399.
Region 2
- New Jersey, Theobald Smith Society: This territory encompasses all New Jersey zip code areas except 08000-08499.
- Eastern Pennsylvania: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of Delaware; Pennsylvania zip code areas 17000-17199, 17300-17699, and 17800-19699; and New Jersey zip code areas 08000-08499.
- Maryland: Territory includes all Maryland zip code areas except 20700-20999.
- Virginia: This territory includes all Virginia zip code areas except 22000-22399.
- Washington, D.C.: This territory includes all zip code areas in the District of Columbia 20000-20599, Maryland zip code areas 20700-20999, and Virginia zipcode areas 22000-22399.
Region 3
- Allegheny: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of West Virginia; Pennsylvania zip code areas 15000-16999, 17200-17299, and 17700-17799.
- Western New York: This territory includes New York zip code areas 14000-14999.
Kentucky-Tennessee: This territory includes all zip codes in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee.
- Indiana: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of Indiana.
- Ohio: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of Ohio.
- Michigan: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of Michigan.
Region 4
- Florida: This territory encompasses Florida zip code areas 33000-33499, 33900-34199, 34300-34599 and 34900-34999.
- North Carolina: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of North Carolina.
- Puerto Rico: This territory encompasses the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
- South Central: This territory includes all zip codes in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
- South Carolina: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of South Carolina.
- Southeastern: This territory includes all zip codes in the states of Alabama and Georgia; Florida zip code areas 32000-32999, 33500-33899, 34200-34299, and 34600-34699.
Region 5
- Illinois Society for Microbiology, Inc.: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of Illinois.
- Missouri: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of Missouri.
- North Central: This territory includes all zip code areas in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
- Northwest: This territory encompasses all zip codes in the states of Montana, Oregon, and Washington; Idaho zip code areas 83500-83599, 83800-83899; and British Columbia.
- Alaska: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of Alaska.
Region 6
- Missouri Valley: This territory includes all zip codes in the states of Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
- Rio Grande (formerly New Mexico): This territory includes zip codes in the state of New Mexico and Texas zip code areas 79800-79999, 88500-88599.
- Rocky Mountain: This territory includes all zip codes in the states of Colorado and Wyoming.
- Texas: This territory includes zip codes in the state of Texas excluding 79800-79999, 88500-88599.
Region 7
- Arizona/Southern Nevada: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of Arizona and Nevada zip codes 89000-89199.
- Northern California: This territory encompasses California zip code areas 93600-96599; Nevada 89400-89899.
- Southern California: This territory encompasses California zip code areas 90000-93599.
- Intermountain: This territory includes all zip codes in the state of Utah, Nevada zip code areas 89300-89399; Idaho zip code areas 83200-83499 and 83600-83799.
- Hawaii: This territory includes all zip codes in Hawaii.