ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Launches Health Unit to Empower Microbial Scientists Worldwide
Washington, D.C.—The American Society for ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ (ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥) has launched the ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health Scientific Unit, the first unit in ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥’s new strategic roadmap. The launch of ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health is a crucial component in ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥’s approach to addressing critical health issues through microbial science. The leadership and structure of ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health will empower the health-related microbial sciences community to shape the future of the field, ensuring societal impact and fostering global collaboration.
The ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health Scientific Unit is spearheaded by newly appointed Scientific Director Dev Mittar, Ph.D., and ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health Chair Colleen Kraft, M.D., alongside an interim Scientific Advisory Council comprising 14 experts representing sub-disciplines of health-related microbiology. These leaders will guide ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health’s mission to advance microbial science for the benefit of society.
The ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health Scientific Unit will play a pivotal role in uniting and empowering researchers and professionals across clinical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, drug development, veterinary medicine/One Health and food microbiology. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health aims to propel advances that address the world’s most pressing challenges.
As part of ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥’s new strategic roadmap, unveiled in 2024, ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health is the first of 3 scientific units to be established, which will be followed by ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Applied and Environmental ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ and ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Mechanism Discovery. The roadmap reimagines ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥’s foundation, positioning the organization at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation. The roadmap reflects ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥’s vision of providing a home for every microbial scientist and promoting transformative exchanges and collective action worldwide.
“The ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health Scientific Unit represents a monumental step forward in uniting microbial scientists and stakeholders worldwide to confront the most urgent health challenges,” said Dev Mittar, ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health Scientific Director. “I am honored to lead this effort and collaborate with the exceptional team of experts guiding our mission.”
The interim ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health Scientific Advisory Council includes leaders and experts across health-related microbiology disciplines:
- David Andes, M.D.
- Elizabeth Dodds Ashley, M.H.S.
- Jessilyn Dunn, Ph.D.
- Laura Filkins, Ph.D.
- David Gaston, M.D., Ph.D.
- Randall Hayden, M.D.
- Brandi Limbago, Ph.D.
- Amy Mathers, M.D., D(ABMM)
- Pascale Ondoa, M.D., Ph.D.
- Marcela Pasetti, Ph.D.
- David Peaper, M.D., Ph.D.
- Paul Plummer, D.V.M., Ph.D.
- Bobbi Pritt, M.D., M.Sc.
- Tara Smith, Ph.D.
This accomplished group will provide strategic guidance to ensure ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health’s initiatives are impactful. Central to ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥’s new structure is the Society’s commitment to providing a home for all microbial scientists and bridging sub-disciplines and specialties to address the most significant problems facing humanity.
Learn more about the ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Health Scientific Unit.
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The American Society for ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of over 37,000 scientists and health practitioners. ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥'s mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.
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ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications, educational opportunities and advocacy efforts. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to all audiences.
