Each year, the American Academy of Microbiology, the honorific leadership group and scientific think-tank within ASM, selects exceptional microbiologists to present lecturers at ASM Microbe.

2025 ASM Elizabeth O. King Lecture Awardee

Natalie J. Thornburg, Ph.D.

Natalie J. Thornburg, Ph.D.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

About the Award

The ASM Elizabeth O. King Lecturer Award recognizes a researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of public health and the discovery of new pathogens. Given in honor of Elizabeth O. King, who pioneered methods to identify and classify medically important pathogens during her time at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this lecture award aims to promote the translation of science into solutions to improve public health and inspire further research in this area. This lecture award is supported by the New York Community Trust-Audrey Rheinstrom and Anne Blevins Fund.

Past recipients of the ASM Elizabeth O. King Lecturer Award.

2025 ASM Honorary Diversity Lecturer Awardee

Ighovwerha Ofotokun, M.D.

Ighovwerha Ofotokun, M.D.

Emory University School of Medicine

About the Award

The ASM Honorary Diversity Lecturer Award recognizes a microbiologist who brings valuable and diverse perspectives and experiences to the microbial sciences and who is an accomplished researcher with a proven record of delivering engaging and high-impact lectures. This lecture award highlights the power of a diverse scientific community and demonstrates that excellence emerges from all walks of life. The award aims to inspire the next generation of microbial scientists from all backgrounds to pursue excellence. The recipient will showcase their speaking skills through a lecture presented during ASM Microbe.

Past recipients of the ASM Honorary Diversity Lecturer Award.

ASM awards are granted at the discretion of award selection committees and may not be awarded every year.

Questions? Contact awards@asmusa.org.