The ASM Global Research Symposium (GRS) is a flagship international initiative that brings together scientists and emerging research leaders from all career stages and institutions to address regionally relevant scientific challenges through globally connected collaboration. Through strategic partnerships around the world, GRS expands access to scientific knowledge, strengthens research networks and accelerates discovery in the microbial sciences.
Our Vision: Building a Globally Connected Scientific Community
Beyond borders; united by science.
The ASM Global Research Symposium was created to foster meaningful international partnerships that connect researchers, institutions and scientific communities through shared learning, regional expertise and world-class research. By bringing together diverse perspectives and scientific strengths, GRS helps advance the microbial science while cultivating a more connected and inclusive global research ecosystem.
Why GRS Exists
The ASM Global Research Symposium grew out of relationships built through ASM Journals and was developed as a regionally anchored scientific convening model designed to bring rigorous, curiosity-driven microbial science to communities where scientific conversations are already thriving and can benefit from greater global engagement. Each symposium is co-designed with a local host institution and shaped by the scientific priorities that matter most within that region. Many GRS speakers are ASM Journal editors who are active researchers and scientific leaders in their fields.
Core Principles
Scientific Excellence
High-quality scientific programming, curated in partnership with ASM's Scientific Units.
Merit-based participant and speaker selection.
Focus on emerging and high-impact research questions.
Regional Relevance
Programs reflect local scientific priorities, challenges and opportunities.
Topics are tailored to high-impact global and regional research ecosystems.
Global Connection
Researchers build relationships across institutions, countries and disciplines.
International expertise is connected to local scientific leadership.
Co-Ownership
Host institutions serve as true partners in developing scientific programs and outcomes.
Every symposium is collaboratively designed and delivered.
From Regional Priorities to Global Solutions
Co-hosted with Tsinghua University, the first GRS showcased how local scientific leadership and international collaboration can come together to advance the microbial sciences.
What began as a strategic effort to strengthen scientific engagement in key global regions has evolved into a growing international platform for collaboration and discovery. Today, the initiative rotates across countries with a long-term vision of creating a sustainable global network of institutions and researchers of all career stages who can learn from one another, engage with ASM and contribute to a stronger worldwide microbial science community.
Global Footprint
November 2025
Shenzhen, China
Cohost: Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology
Unlike traditional conferences, the ASM Global Research Symposium is intentionally designed as a partnership model that combines ASM's scientific network, expertise, convening power and organizational expertise with the local knowledge, scientific leadership and community connections of host institutions.
Benefits to Host Institutions:
Elevate institutional visibility within ASM's global network.
Co-brand scientific programs with ASM.
Connect researchers with international collaborators.
Showcase regional scientific leadership.
Expand opportunities for students and early-career scientists.
Create lasting scientific relationships and knowledge exchange.
Interested in Hosting a Future GRS?
We welcome conversations with organizations interested in the following:
Hosting future symposia.
Strengthening international research collaborations.
Advancing regional scientific priorities.
Supporting scientific leadership development.
Connecting local researchers to a global network.
Partner With ASM
We are exploring opportunities to expand the GRS network through strategic partnerships with institutions around the world.
Join a Global Community Advancing the Microbial Sciences
Through scientific excellence, regional partnership and international collaboration, the ASM Global Research Symposium is building a stronger, more connected future for microbial science.
Become a Host Institution
Join our efforts to unite scientists across the globe. Reach out if you are interested in co-designing the next ASM GRS at your institution.
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The ASM-Tsinghua University Symposium on Microbes and Human Health provided an international forum for microbiologists from different disciplines to discuss a wide range of topics, spanning across bacteria, virus, fungi, and hosts.
