An account of American Academy of Microbiology reforms and pandemic operations

Abstract

Change is an inevitable part of any organization if it wants to adapt and strive in a changing environment. That was what the American Academy of Microbiology (Academy) did from 2019-2023 when it transformed itself into a scientific think tank at ASM while maintaining the high standard of an honorific community of scholars. Here, we report on the recent history of the Academy and the changes that have taken place during this period. With the contribution of many thougtful leaders, the Academy refreshed its commitment to promote excellence and uphold its high values.

Fig 1

Academy governance structure. The Academy redefined its structure to align with the reform and published the information on the asm.org/academy website to inform the fellows about the roles and responsibilities of the Academy leadership in the spirit of transparency and accountability. Fellows in good standing are encouraged to put their names forward to be considered for Academy leadership.

Fig 2

Academy’s renewed vision to become a scientific think-tank within ASM to better advance its mission to promote scientific excellence in microbial sciences. In 2021, the Academy Governors set the new vision and defined the core values to direct the Academy toward the path to deliver sustaining impacts to the field. The vision led to the establishment of the scientific portfolio, and climate change was selected to be the topic for the first portfolio.