ASM International Alert(1)
ASM InternationalAlert
July 2008
In this issue:
News and Updates
International Committee Elevated to Board
International Mentoring Program
Lab Cap Program: Call for TB Experts
ASM Resource Clearinghouse
American Academy of Microbiology
New Colloquium Report Now Available
Report on Clinical Microbiology in the 21st Century
ASM Press: New Releases
ASM Certification Examinations
Funding Opportunities
Professorships
ASM International Professorship for Latin America, Africa, and Asia
ASM/IUSTF Indo-US Professorships
Professor-Host Collaboration Database
Fellowships
ASM International Fellowship for Latin America, Africa, and Asia
Fellow-Host Collaboration Database
Grants
UNESCO-ASM Visiting Resource Person (VRP) Program
International Workshop Scholarship Program: ICAAC
Awards
ASM Scientific Achievement Awards
ASM Ambassador of the Year
Meetings and Conferences
2nd ASM Conference on Beneficial Microbes
48th Annual ICAAC®/IDSA 46th Annual Meeting
News and Updates
International Committee Elevated to International Board
Effective July 1, 2008, the International Committee was elevated to become the International Board by action of the ASM Council and its Council Policy Committee. ASM is fully supportive to its strategic goal to “Enhance the Society’s leadership role in the international microbiological community.” The mission of the International Board is to ensure that ASM continues and expands its global activities in the field of microbiological sciences, and it joins ASM’s six existing Boards in guiding the Society’s principal activities. Council also approved the reappointment of Keith Klugman as Chair of the International Board. As Board Chair, he will contribute with his vote during Council Policy Committee meetings. Said Klugman, “I am delighted that the Council Policy Committee and Council have acknowledged the importance of ASM’s mission to improve knowledge of microbiology globally, and as such have accepted the International Board as an essential pillar of the Society.”
For more information on the International Board and its programs, please visit: www.asm.org/international.
International Mentoring Program
Want to have a positive impact on a young and enthusiastic scientist? Looking for talented and enthusiastic microbiology students? Become an ASM mentor!
Are you an early career scientist looking to connect with an expert in your field? Check out the database of ASM mentors who are interested in hearing from you!
The International Mentoring Program has been revamped to increase the effectiveness and efficiency with which international microbiologists are able to connect with an ASM Mentor. The new structure makes searching for a mentor more user-friendly by correlating searches to the mentor profiles. Mentors are also required to fill out minimal information to provide a more useful profile to mentees. As always, International Mentoring Program volunteers are never required to render more assistance than their time and resources allow. Policies and Guidelines have also been added to promote an effective Mentor/Mentee relationship.
Through the International Mentoring Program, experienced ASM members offer assistance to young scientists in many ways: giving career advice, reviewing a paper for publication, advising on a grant application, or hosting a short-term ASM International Fellow. Currently, 813 ASM members have registered in the mentoring database. If you are interested in becoming an ASM International Mentoring Program volunteer or in seeking an ASM mentor through the program please visit: http://www.asm.org/International/mentor.
Lab Cap Program: Call for TB Experts
The American Society for Microbiology is seeking highly qualified individuals to work as consultants for capacity building of international microbiology laboratories in resource-poor settings. Experience is needed for hands-on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics, particularly AFB smear microscopy and culture/drug susceptibility testing. These activities may include short or long-term travel and can develop with little notice.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or Master’s degree in Biology or other related science
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International experience, experience in resource-poor countries preferred
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Knowledge of international laboratory standards
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Diagnostic experience with TB, multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB, and other opportunistic infections
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Bench training of technical staff
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Experience developing QA/QC programs, SOPs
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Working knowledge of use and maintenance of lab equipment
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Transport and storage of specimens
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Reporting of data
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Valid passport
If you have questions about this worthwhile opportunity, please email labcap@asmusa.org.
ASM Resource Clearinghouse
Many ASM members find from time to time that their personal library has outgrown their capacity to store it while scientists, institutions, and libraries in developing countries would welcome donation of back issues of journals, books, or functional laboratory equipment. If you have such valuable resources that you wish to donate, either from your personal collection or from your institution, we encourage you to list them on the ASM Resource Clearinghouse.
If you are an ASM member in a developing country, ASM invites you to visit the ASM Resource Clearinghouse to search for items you may need.
To donate or search for supplies please visit www.asm.org/international/clearinghouse.
Please note that ASM does not cover shipping. It is up to the party interested in the posted items to contact the donor and arrange for shipping.
American Academy of Microbiology:
New Colloquium Report Now Available
The American Academy of Microbiology announces the release of its newest colloquium report, “The Fungal Kingdom: Diverse and Essential Roles in Earth’s Ecosystem.” The report is the product of a colloquium convened by the Academy in November 2007, where experts in mycology, medicine, plant pathogens, and ecology discussed the current state of research in mycology and compiled a list of specific recommendations for future work. This report explores the roles fungi play in the world around us. Fungi can cause a number of life-threatening diseases but they also are becoming increasingly useful to science and manufacturing every year. Research is critically needed in this field to bring about a better understanding of this kingdom.
AAM colloquia reports are effective tools for education and research. “The Fungal Kingdom: Diverse and Essential Roles in Earth’s Ecosystem,” as well as all other colloquia reports published by the Academy, are available online in their entirety at www.asm.org/colloquia/asm. Ninety-second supplemental podcasts are also available online for most colloquia reports.
Please feel free to email colloquia@asmusa.org with any questions.
Report on Clinical Microbiology in the 21st Century
May 2008
The American College of Microbiology announces the release of a report, “Clinical Microbiology in the 21st Century”. This report discusses the current status of clinical microbiology, the directions in which it is headed, and solutions for the problems of today and those likely to be encountered in the years to come.
Clinical microbiology laboratories provide services that are critical to the well-being of our population. They are the sentinels for bioterrorism events and natural outbreaks of infection which threaten public health, they provide diagnostic data that enable the correct diagnosis and treatment for victims of infectious diseases, and they supply crucial information that guide the selection of the right antimicrobial therapy for patients with treatable infections. Despite their pivotal role in our healthcare system, these laboratories are victims of difficult times.
This report is available for download at www.asm.org/college/asm.
ASM Press: New Releases
Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases
Author: Peter J. Hotez
ISBN: 978-1-55581-440-3
Written in accessible, straightforward language, Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases thoroughly explains the most significant neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including social and economic aspects, public health concerns, and preventative measures. This volume will raise public awareness about these forgotten diseases and their enormous physical, social, and economic costs to individuals and nations alike, and advocates for the largely voiceless victims living in remote and rural regions. http://estore.asm.org/viewItemDetails.asp?ItemID=782
ASM's Certification Examinations
ASM's three certification examinations are now offered online at testing centers worldwide. Visit www.microbiologycert.org for details about each exam’s eligibility. Certification is an excellent way to validate your laboratory experience.
Funding Opportunities
Professorships
Due to the limited number of grants available the ASM Professorships are highly prestigious. Winners will be profiled in Microbe magazine and on the ASM website. ASM is pleased to offer these exciting opportunities to our members. If you have any questions please contact international@asmusa.org. Good luck!
ASM International Professorship for Latin America, Africa and Asia
Deadline: October 15th, 2008
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to share your knowledge with young scientists around the world! This program provides funding to support an ASM member from the US who is scientifically recognized in his/her area to teach a hands-on, highly interactive short course on a single topic in the microbiological sciences at an institution of higher learning in Latin America, Africa or Asia.
More information and the application form can be found at http://www.asm.org/International/professorship.
ASM/IUSTF Indo-US Professorships
Deadline: October 15th, 2008
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to share your knowledge with young scientists through the Visiting Teaching Professorship or to collaborate with an established scientist through the Visiting Research Professorship.
This professorship encourages partnerships between the United States and India. Sponsored by the Indo-US Science & Technology Forum, the program enables:
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Microbiologists in India and the United States to visit institutions in the other country to teach an interactive short course on a topic in any of the microbiological disciplines (Teaching Professor).
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Microbiologists in India to participate in an interactive short course on a topic in any of the microbiological disciplines, or conduct a research project in partnership with colleague in a research facility in the U.S. (Research Professor).
Open to ASM members and non-members alike, the program seeks to broaden collaboration between India and the US on issues of global concern.
More information and the application form can be found at: http://www.asm.org/International/professorship.
Professor-Host Collaboration Database
Often, one of the greatest challenges for professorship candidates is connecting with a host interested in developing a proposal. To facilitate this connection, International Affairs is developing an online database of ASM members interested in being visiting professors to foreign universities. Host institutions will be able to search this database and contact potential visiting professors based on the professors’ profiles. US Professors will be able to add their information to the database by completing a brief online questionnaire. The projected launch date for the database is Monday, August 4. The database will be available via the ASM International Professorship Program webpage at: http://www.asm.org/International/professorship.
Fellowships
Due to the limited number of grants available the ASM Fellowships are highly prestigious. Winners will be profiled in Microbe magazine and on the ASM website. If you are having difficulty in identifying a host scientist in the US, please utilize the ASM Mentoring Program. To search for a mentor visit: http://www.asm.org/International/mentor.
ASM International Fellowship for Latin America, Africa and Asia
Deadline: October 15th, 2008
The ASM International Fellowships are an opportunity for students from around the world to continue their research collaborations with experienced scientists in the United States. This award seeks to promote international collaborations in microbiological research and training. The fellowships are offered to promising young investigators in Latin America, Africa or Asia who are within five years of obtaining, or in the process of obtaining, his/her Masters, PhD, or other equivalent academic degree, and who are working in any of the microbiology disciplines. The award allows the fellow to visit a host scientist in the US, but is not intended to provide travel to obtain a degree at the host institution.
More information and the application form can be found at http://www.asm.org/International/fellowship.
Fellow-Host Collaboration Database
Often, one of the greatest challenges for fellowship candidates is connecting with a host interested in developing a proposal. To facilitate this connection, International Affairs is developing an online database of ASM members interested in hosting young investigators at their institution in the United States. Potential fellows will be able to search this database and contact potential host professors based on the professors’ profiles. US Professors are invited to add their information to the database by completing a brief online questionnaire. The projected launch date for the database is Monday, August 4. The database will be available via the ASM International Fellowship Program webpage: http://www.asm.org/International/fellowship
Grants
ASM-UNESCO Visiting Resource Person (VRP) Program
Deadline: Rolling
Planning an international trip within the next 6 months? UNESCO and ASM offer you the chance to extend your stay and share your knowledge with scientists around the world!
If you will be traveling to a developing nation, on academic or other business, within the next 6 months the ASM/UNESCO International Visiting Resource Person (VRP) Program can offer you the opportunity spend an extra day with colleagues at a university or research institute in a major city. UNESCO will provide funds to cover the cost of the extended stay, making this program a cost-effective way to share your knowledge with others while enhancing your experience of the country. The ASM member is expected to present a seminar to faculty and students at the institution and to spend the rest of the visit as a resource person - discussing ideas for scientific research, curriculum development and international cooperation with local faculty and students.
For additional information on the program and a link to the application, please visit: http://www.asm.org/International/vrp and email your information to: international@asmusa.org.
International Workshop Scholarship Program: ICAAC
Deadline: August 1, 2008
ASM would like to invite you to make the most of your ICAAC Meeting attendance with the ASM International Affairs' Pre-Meeting Workshop Scholarship Program. This highly prestigious scholarship offers an opportunity to learn scientific techniques from leaders in the field.
The Pre-Meeting Workshop Scholarship Program provides successful applicants with registration to the pre-meeting workshop of their choice at the ICAAC Meeting.
The scholarship is available to all ASM members who are from, and currently residing in, non-developed countries. Applicants from developed nations, as defined by BOTH the UN high HDI group and the World Bank high income economy group will not be considered. To be eligible for this scholarship applicants must have had an abstract accepted to the ICAAC Meeting and be pre-registered for the meeting. Preference will be given to those who are pursuing, or who are within ten years of having received, their Masters, Ph.D., or equivalent academic degree.
This scholarship provides the registration fee for one pre-meeting workshop. It does not cover registration for the ICAAC Meeting, travel, or accommodation for the meeting.
A list of this year’s workshops can be found at http://www.icaacidsa2008.org/workshops-list.asp
Application Form and Procedure:
To learn about the application procedures and to download the application form visit http://www.asm.org/International/workshopscholarship.
ASM is pleased to offer this exciting opportunity to our members, if you have any questions please contact international@asmusa.org. Good luck!
Awards
ASM Scientific Achievement Awards
Application deadline: October 1, 2008
The ASM Scientific Achievement Awards are given annually to reward outstanding accomplishment in fundamental research, developmental research, and reduction to practice. They encompass the many subspecialties of microbiology, including biotechnology, clinical microbiology, environmental microbiology, antimicrobial chemotherapy, immunology, and virology, as well as education and service to the profession. There are awards honoring microbiologists at every level of their career.
To learn more about this award please visit: www.asm.org/ASMAwards.
ASM Ambassador of the Year
We congratulate Marcel Gutierrez-Correa, PhD for his selection as the 2008 ASM Ambassador of the Year. Gutierrez-Correa is the coordinator of the Biological Sciences and Engineering PhD Program, Graduate School, at the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, in Lima, Peru.
Gutierrez-Correa was appointed ASM Ambassador to Andean Region in 2007 and has rapidly demonstrated an exceptional commitment to his role as Ambassador, to ASM, and to the advancement of microbiology in his region. One of his accomplishments is the organization of a significant and highly successful ASM presence at the II Latin American Student Congress on Microbiology and Parasitology in Ica, Peru, in February 2008. More than 400 attendees gathered to learn about new microbiology research through presentations from renowned scientists from around Latin America. As a result of his efforts, ASM sponsored two Best Poster Awards and enabled 70 low-income students to attend by covering bus transportation to and from the event. Gutierrez-Correa presented a plenary lecture entitled “Industrial microbiology within the context of bioeconomy” and organized the participation of two additional ASM Ambassadors in Latin America, Irma Rivera (Brazil) and Guido Mora (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay), who lead minicourses during the Congress.
Another highlight of his service as an Ambassador to Andean region has been his initiative in establishing the ASM Resource Center in Ica that serves as a showcase for ASM products, services, programs, and membership. Finally, Gutierrez-Correa has been reaching out to current and lapsed ASM members in the Andean Region to notify them of the Ambassador’s presence and encourage them to explore the many benefits of ASM membership.
Meetings and Conferences
2nd ASM Conference on Beneficial Microbes
October 12 - 16, 2008, San Diego, California
The field of microbial symbiosis has recently taken center stage in biological sciences. A sophisticated grasp of the nature of normal animal-bacterial associations is key to understanding what goes wrong when pathogenic "interlopers" disrupt the dynamics of complex communities of beneficial bacteria. The goal of this conference is to bring together an array of researchers working in a variety of arenas, from ecology to molecular biology, to develop this frontier field.
For more information please visit http://www.asm.org/Meetings/index.asp?bid=52027
48th Annual ICAAC/IDSA 46th Annual Meeting
Washington, DC – October 25-28, 2008
A Joint Meeting of ASM and IDSA
Join us in the nation’s capital at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the Joint ICAAC/IDSA Meeting on October 25-28, 2008 featuring:
• 14 Pre-Meeting Workshops
• More than 100 Sessions with Internationally Renowned Faculty and Scientists
• 6 Scientific Award Lectures
• As many as 3,000 Scientific Abstracts
More than 12,000 physicians, researchers, and other health care professionals from around the globe will gather at this Joint Meeting of ICAAC and IDSA to review the latest scientific and clinical findings on infectious diseases.
Visit http://www.icaacidsa2008.org to register and secure housing, plan your itinerary, and view the Preliminary Program.
ICAAC/IDSA Important Deadlines:
Discounted Registration Deadline – July 31, 2008
Late-Breaker Abstract Submission Deadline – September 8, 2008
General Registration and Housing Deadline – September 15, 2008
Pre-Meeting Workshops and Activities – October 24, 2008
ASM and IDSA in cooperation with the HIV Medicine Association look forward to your participation in Washington, DC!
