Our Work

An essential part of ASM's mission is to embrace diversity in the STEM community. Being inclusive enhances innovation, broadens the health research agenda and furthers scientific advancement. ASM is committed to promoting and advancing the microbial sciences through the elevation, embodiment and sustainability of inclusive diversity with equity, access and accountability (IDEAA).

Diversity Statements

ASM exemplifies inclusive diversity with equity, access and accountability (IDEAA) in the microbial sciences.

In practice, ASM works to create a diverse community and a culture of inclusion where all staff, volunteers, members and the community are respected, treated fairly and provided opportunities to develop professionally and excel in their chosen careers

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

Portraits of most recent spotlighted members.

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:

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.

Tune into our Spanish-speaking podcast Mundo de los Microbios

IDEAA Strategy Roadmap

Guiding principles and priorities.

Read the Roadmap

Anonymous Reporting Tool

Ethics and IDEAA

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Minority Travel Awards

Apply by February 1, 2023.

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