Diversity Statements

Guiding Principles

ASM’s guiding principles provide unwavering guidance for equity and inclusion efforts and serve to communicate core values:

• Diversity Is an Asset—A diverse ASM enhances the microbial sciences, increases innovation, strengthens the community and sustains the profession.
• Diverse Leadership—ASM empowers individuals with diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
• Transparency—ASM ensures equitable access and accountability through transparent procedures and communication.
• Community Building—ASM attracts, supports and develops the community, ensuring that all are empowered and engaged in the work of the organization.

ASM's IDEAA Strategy Roadmap

Over the last year the interim IDEAA Committee members have identified a list of key priorities that will be used to guide ASM's DEI strategy in 2022 and beyond.

What ASM Is Doing

While ASM looks to the future, we will also continue taking actions that reflect and advance our vision of a more diverse scientific association. The initiatives and programs below represent some of ASM’s recent activities.

Spotlights

Spotlight profile articles highlight the work and experiences of microbiologists from a diversity of backgrounds and identities in science. 

In a recent Spotlight article, Dr. Oladele Ogunseitan reflects on the value of collaboration between mentors and peers, and the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to the table. Read more about his decades-long career in STEM.

Hosting the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritzed Scientists (ABRCMS)

The first ABRCMS hosted by ASM in 2001, was founded to encourage minority, first-generation, veteran and disabled students to pursue higher education in STEM. Today, ABRCMS is one of the largest professional conferences for underrepresented students. ABRCMS 2023 took place from Nov. 15-18 in Phoenix, Ariz.

Additional DEI/IDEAA Activities

ASM Journals has created a pathway for authors to request name change updates to their published record that does not require evidence of legal name change or identification. Explore the other activities that ASM has implemented throughout the organization:

• Open nominations for ASM Journals Editors-in-Chief positions.
• “Picture a Scientist” screening and panel discussion for ASM membership.
• Capitol Hill briefing entitled “Strengthening Career Pathways in Science for Underrepresented Groups."
• Incorporation of diversity, equity and inclusion into the American Academy of Microbiology criteria for election to fellowship.
• ASM is a proud partner of the Black Microbiologists Association (BMA).
• ASM supports graduate students from historically excluded groups in the microbial sciences through the Future Leaders Mentoring Fellowship.

ASM Journals Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Collection

Explore the ASM Journals Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Collection—a multi-journal collection of DEI-related articles published in ASM's journals over the past 2 years. This collection focuses on articles that address topics related to inclusive diversity with equity, access and accountability. Such topics include:

• Challenges faced by microbiologists from underrepresented groups.
• Inclusive accommodations for scientists and students with disabilities.
• Fostering DEI in STEM education.
• Disproportionate disease outcomes for geographically and demographically underserved groups.

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