About ASM

What We Do

Established in 1899, ASM is the home for microbial scientists from around the globe to connect, learn, discover and prepare for the future.

ASM and its 36,000 members partner with global organizations to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. We connect with millions of experts and harness their science to serve humanity. From climate change, antimicrobial resistance, industrial, basic and applied microbiology, ASM is a leader in scientific publishing, stands for open science and advocates for evidence-based public policies.

Convening Experts and Members Network at ASM Meetings

ASM’s meetings and conferences are the physical forum for the latest research in the microbial sciences and microbiology education. Connect and network with your community by registering for one of our meetings, showcasing discovery and innovation across the full spectrum of the field.

Advancing Microbiology Publish Innovative Science

ASM is an authoritative and trusted source of basic, clinical and applied microbiology research. With 15 peer-reviewed journals and hundreds of key reference books for the scientific community, we are one of the most renowned, influential and prolific scientific publishers.

Building Our Community Become an ASM Member

Wherever you are in your career, ASM is here to support you and help you advance in your professional journey. Build meaningful connections, access member-exclusive resources and discounts and help shape the future of the microbial sciences by joining ASM. 

Influencing Policy Advocate for Science

ASM engages with policymakers and empowers its members to advocate for public policies that are rooted in science. We recognize the essential role of the microbial sciences in helping to address humanity’s most daunting and evolving challenges.

Who We Are

The American Society for Microbiology is a professional life science organization composed of more than 36,000 scientists, educators and health professionals who are dedicated to promoting and advancing microbial sciences around the world.

We know that microbiology has the power to impact lives, and we are uniquely positioned to bring together key stakeholders to institute life-saving programs, advocate for science funding, encourage the next generation of microbiologists and contribute to the resolution of the most pressing global health challenges.

We strive to make the microbial sciences the most diverse field in STEM and to be a homebase where microbiologists from every part of our world can come together, connect, learn and recharge for the future.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors upholds ASM's mission to advance the microbial sciences.

Get to Know the BOD

Council on Microbial Sciences

The Council on Microbial Sciences prioritizes the scientific focus of the Society and identifies opportunities that benefit the members and the scientific community at large.

Get to Know COMS

Senior Staff

ASM's Senior Leadership Team translate our mission into action.

Get to Know Senior Staff

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

ASM strives to make the microbial sciences the most welcoming field in STEM by elevating and embodying Inclusive Diversity with Equity, Access and Accountability (IDEAA). 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 career pathway.

Explore Our DEI Work

Where We Are

We have a vast global network of members, Ambassadors, Branches, Student Chapters and Global Health Programs that contribute richness of thought, innovation and research. The map below depicts the regional distribution of ASM members around the world.

Locations of ASM Members by Region

Map of the world showing where ASM has Members by region. 3,189 in Africa. 2,498 in Asia. 145 in ECA. 1,947 in Europe. 406 in LAC. 2,456 in MENA. 14,899 in North Am. 3,047 in S. Asia.

Global Public Health Programs

ASM strengthens levels of health care around the world through lab capacity building, training of local staff and providing solutions for outbreaks when they arise.

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ASM Member Demographics

ASM is working to better understand and meet the needs of our members and stakeholders by collecting and tracking demographic information related to gender, race and ethnicity. We will utilize these data to not only better understand our members, but to also track our progress in diversifying the ASM community. We invite you to update your profile demographics below.

Update your profile demographics

Download a PDF of the chart above and the associated data.

About ASM ASM Promotes & Advances the Microbial Sciences