Students, postdoctoral fellows and technologists who submit abstracts for the 2024 ASM Clinical Virology Symposium (ASM CVS) may be eligible to receive a travel award following review by the ASM CVS Program Committee. Travel awardees are selected based on the scientific quality of the submitted abstracts. Funding from these awards is meant only to defray costs for the meeting, meaning abstract submitters may need to obtain additional funding from other sources outside of ASM. Please also note that travel award funds will not be dispersed to awardees until after the meeting pending confirmation of awardee attendance.
ASM offers 6 awards in honor of the following outstanding scientists:
Dr. Mario Escobar Travel Award | Amount: $1,500 per Awardee | Awards Available: 1
- Mario Escobar, Ph.D., a virologist at the Medical College of Virginia and a Peruvian national, was a pioneer in his field. As an early member of the SSM International Committee, he played a crucial role in facilitating an exchange program aimed at sending American scientists to Latin America to assist in the training of laboratorians.
Dr. Herman Friedman Travel Award | Amount: $1,500 per Awardee | Awards Available: 1
- Herman Friedman, Ph.D., a microbiologist and immunologist, embarked on research into immunodeficiency caused by retroviruses in mice in the mid-1960s. Renowned for his expertise, he excelled as a scientific meeting planner and co-chaired the inaugural Clinical Virology Meeting, marking the inception of the Clinical Virology Symposium.
Dr. Edith Hsuing Travel Award | Amount: $1,500 per Awardee | Awards Available: 1
- Edith Hsiung, Ph.D., associated with Yale University, earned the moniker "godmother of Clinical Virology." She revolutionized the field by pioneering techniques for virus detection and characterization. Additionally, she authored a seminal textbook on virology laboratory methods, established laboratories and mentored countless professionals, leaving an indelible mark on the discipline for generations to come.
Dr. Edwin Lennette Travel Award | Amount: $1,500 per Awardee | Awards Available: 1
- Edwin Lennette, M.D., Ph.D., widely regarded as the "godfather of Clinical Virology," served as the director of the California State Virology Laboratory. He made significant contributions to the field, penning the inaugural major text on diagnostic virology, which remains a foundational resource in the discipline.
Dr. Marilyn A. Menegus Travel Award | Amount: $1,500 per Awardee | Awards Available: 1
- Marilyn A. Menegus, Ph.D., a luminary in clinical virology, gained renown for her leadership as director of the Post-Doctoral Training Program in Clinical and Public Health °®¶¹´«Ã½ at the University of Rochester. Through her mentorship, she profoundly influenced the trajectories of numerous fellows, nurturing a cohort of laboratory directors in diagnostic microbiology and virology nationwide. Her enduring impact on the field is unmistakable.
Please note: The selected recipient will have the opportunity to refine their presentation skills and gain valuable experience by delivering a 10-minute abstract presentation to the 2024 ASM CVS audience.
New! Dr. Steven Specter Travel Award | Amount: $2,000 per Awardee | Awards Available: 1
- Steven Specter, Ph.D., professor emeritus at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, is a prominent figure in clinical virology. He served as the chair of the annual Clinical Virology Symposium from 1985-2023, providing leadership that influenced discussions and progress in the field. His substantial impact extends beyond his role as a researcher and educator, encompassing leadership within professional societies.
Please note: The selected recipient will have the chance to refine their presentation skills and gain valuable experience by delivering a 10-minute abstract presentation to the 2024 ASM CVS audience.
Eligibility:
To qualify for consideration the applicant must:- Be a student, postdoctoral fellow or technologist who submitted an abstract for the 2024 ASM Clinical Virology Symposium.
- Be a at the time of abstract submission through the 2024 ASM Clinical Virology Symposium.
- Not be a previous recipient of an ASM Clinical Virology Symposium travel award within the last 3 years.
Travel Awards With Additional Criteria:
- Dr. Marilyn A. Menegus Travel Award applicants: must be a postdoctoral fellow enrolled in an ASM CPEP program at the time of application.
- Dr. Mario Escobar Travel Award applicants: must be a student, postdoctoral fellow or technologist candidate from a Latin or South American country.
- Dr. Steven Specter Travel Award applicants: must be an international candidate pursuing any microbial degree.
Submission Requirements to Be Considered for All Travel Awards:
- Abstract must be accepted.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) including research, teaching, outreach and funding information provided.
- Letter of nomination written by a professor, advisor, mentor, employer or director of the department provided.
Please note: CV, letter of nomination and any additional documentation must be combined into 1 uploaded document (PDF preferred) as a step in the abstract submission.
How to Apply:
- Please apply through the .
While completing the steps to submit your abstract, select the award you would like to apply for during the appropriate listed step and upload any required supporting documents. You will only be able to apply for 1 travel award, so please ensure you carefully review the eligibility criteria for each travel award you are interested in before making your selection.