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We are delighted to share ASM’s recent progress in embodying IDEAA (Inclusive Diversity with Equity, Access and Accountability) in the 2021-2022 IDEAA Progress Report. This report outlines the milestones we’ve achieved in working toward ASM’s IDEAA priority goals, as well as our opportunities for growth. At ASM, we continually reaffirm our commitment to making microbiology one of the most welcoming and inclusive fields in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). ASM’s commitment to IDEAA builds upon the Society’s mission of improving the health, environmental and economic well-being of global citizens and solving humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Charting Our IDEAA Progress

The 2021-2022 IDEAA Progress Report encapsulates our commitment to embracing and promoting IDEAA at º£½ÇÉçÇøappand throughout the microbial sciences field. One of our major accomplishments lies in creating and expanding development opportunities for members. Our dedication to engaging members and the broader microbial sciences community is reflected in the creation of 7 diversity-focused campaign pages per year and the , which has been accessed upwards of 22,000 times. We’ve also established the mBio Junior Editorial Board and the 2022 Leadership Development Training for Postdoctoral Women, additional ways that we’re empowering members to envision the future of our field. These opportunities contribute to an environment of inclusivity and belonging, allowing members and scientists to see themselves in the microbial sciences community.

Through initiatives like the Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) and the appointments and nominations pilot program, we are making significant strides in breaking down barriers and promoting diversity at every level. Additionally, we have strengthened our infrastructure by establishing the IDEAA Committee of the Board and reimagining IDEAA-related subcommittees and conferences like the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), ensuring leadership, coordination and accountability across all endeavors.

Looking ahead, we recognize the opportunities for growth in several areas. Collaboration and partnership with external stakeholders will be pivotal in advancing IDEAA within the microbial sciences and broader STEM community. Maintaining accountability to our IDEAA-related goals and expanding our efforts to cultivate a diverse and inclusive membership and leadership will also be critical for our continued success.

Continued Advancements: 2023 and Beyond

Since 2022, we’ve continued to make significant progress in advancing IDEAA initiatives. Notably, the 2023 FLMF cohort experienced a remarkable doubling in size, with a total of 346 fellows and 254 mentors enrolled since the program’s inception. This reflects a growing interest and commitment to mentorship and leadership development in the microbial sciences. ABRCMS saw a record-breaking submission of 6,027 abstracts in 2023, indicating a surge in engagement among underrepresented groups. Further bolstering ABRCMS’ growth, a 2-year $700,000 grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will expand ABRCMS programming through the ABRCMS Leadership Development Academy.

In parallel, º£½ÇÉçÇøappwas awarded a 5-year cooperative agreement grant of $1.3M from the NIH in 2023 to oversee the º£½ÇÉçÇøappMaximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program. This initiative aims to support early-career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds as they transition into tenure-track faculty positions, contributing to efforts to enhance diversity within the biomedical research workforce. º£½ÇÉçÇøappwelcomed the first cohort of 7 scholars in fall 2023, and 3 have already accepted faculty positions at esteemed institutions, demonstrating the tangible impact of the program. Moreover, the NSF-funded , in collaboration with Association of Medical School Microbiology and Immunology Chairs (AMSMIC), has begun training leaders in STEM to embody IDEAA principles and drive cultural change. The inaugural cohort of the MicroBio-LEAP Training-of-Leaders Scholars Program commenced in Jan. 2024, and we look forward to following the journey of these leaders as they propel the field towards greater diversity and representation.

Looking Ahead: Toward Greater Inclusivity

As we move forward on our journey as an inclusive Society and thought leader in the microbial sciences, it is essential that we continue to pave the way in making our field inclusive and equitable. We are proud of the work we have done thus far as an organization—made possible by the unique partnership and synergy of ASM’s staff, members and leaders—and we look forward to your continued engagement as we enter our next chapter.

Sincerely, 

Stefano Bertuzzi, CEO, ASM

Virginia Miller, President, ASM