ASM Launches Health Unit to Empower Microbial Scientists Worldwide
Washington, D.C.—°®¶¹´«Ã½ (ASM) has launched the ASM Health Scientific Unit, the first unit in ASM’s new strategic roadmap. The launch of ASM Health is a crucial component in ASM’s approach to addressing critical health issues through microbial science. The leadership and structure of ASM Health will empower the health-related microbial sciences community to shape the future of the field, ensuring societal impact and fostering global collaboration.
The ASM Health Scientific Unit is spearheaded by newly appointed Scientific Director Dev Mittar, Ph.D., and ASM Health Chair Colleen Kraft, M.D., alongside an interim Scientific Advisory Council comprising 14 experts representing sub-disciplines of health-related microbiology. These leaders will guide ASM Health’s mission to advance microbial science for the benefit of society.
The ASM Health Scientific Unit will play a pivotal role in uniting and empowering researchers and professionals across clinical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, drug development, veterinary medicine/One Health and food microbiology. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, ASM Health aims to propel advances that address the world’s most pressing challenges.
As part of ASM’s new strategic roadmap, unveiled in 2024, ASM Health is the first of 3 scientific units to be established, which will be followed by ASM Applied and Environmental °®¶¹´«Ã½ and ASM Mechanism Discovery. The roadmap reimagines ASM’s foundation, positioning the organization at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation. The roadmap reflects ASM’s vision of providing a home for every microbial scientist and promoting transformative exchanges and collective action worldwide.
“The ASM Health Scientific Unit represents a monumental step forward in uniting microbial scientists and stakeholders worldwide to confront the most urgent health challenges,” said Dev Mittar, ASM Health Scientific Director. “I am honored to lead this effort and collaborate with the exceptional team of experts guiding our mission.”
The interim ASM Health Scientific Advisory Council includes leaders and experts across health-related microbiology disciplines:
- David Andes, M.D.
- Elizabeth Dodds Ashley, M.H.S.
- Jessilyn Dunn, Ph.D.
- Laura Filkins, Ph.D.
- David Gaston, M.D., Ph.D.
- Randall Hayden, M.D.
- Brandi Limbago, Ph.D.
- Amy Mathers, M.D., D(ABMM)
- Pascale Ondoa, M.D., Ph.D.
- Marcela Pasetti, Ph.D.
- David Peaper, M.D., Ph.D.
- Paul Plummer, D.V.M., Ph.D.
- Bobbi Pritt, M.D., M.Sc.
- Tara Smith, Ph.D.
This accomplished group will provide strategic guidance to ensure ASM Health’s initiatives are impactful. Central to ASM’s new structure is the Society’s commitment to providing a home for all microbial scientists and bridging sub-disciplines and specialties to address the most significant problems facing humanity.
Learn more about the ASM Health Scientific Unit.
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°®¶¹´«Ã½ is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of over 37,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.
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ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications, educational opportunities and advocacy efforts. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to all audiences.