美国微生物学会 American Society for Microbiology ASM  
美国微生物学会（American Society for Microbiology，ASM）是全球历史悠久的生命科学会员组织。1899年，59名科学家构成了该学会最初的会员，今天其会员人数已经超过了43,000名，其中超过三分之一的会员来自美国以外的国家和地区。这些会员代表了微生物学学科的26个专业以及微生物学教育学者。美国微生物学会ASM的期刊是微生物学领域高质量的出版物，目前共有11种期刊，刊载基础及临床微生物学领域最新且权威的信息。该学会的期刊引用率极高且具有很大知名度，其期刊引用量占所有微生物学引用的近43%。


The American Society for Microbiology is the oldest and largest single life science membership organization in the world. Membership has grown from 59 scientists in 1899 to more than 39,000 members today, with more than one third located outside the United States. The members represent 26 disciplines of microbiological specialization plus a division for microbiology educators.

Eligibility for Full Membership is open to any person who is interested in microbiology and holds at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in microbiology or related field. Many members hold advanced degrees, including a large number at the master's, PhD, ScD, DrPH and MD level. A regularly matriculated student of microbiology or a related field is eligible to become a student member. There are also separate membership categories for postdoctoral fellows and for transitional scientists in the early years of a career.

Microbiologists study microbes--bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, mycoplasma, fungi, algae and protozoa--some of which cause diseases, but many of which contribute to the balance of nature or are otherwise beneficial.

Microbiological research includes infectious diseases, recombinant DNA technology, alternative methods of energy production and waste recycling, new sources of food, new drug development, and the etiology of sexually transmitted diseases, among other areas. Microbiology is also concerned with environmental problems and industrial processes.

Microbiology boasts some of the most illustrious names in the annals of science--Pasteur, Koch, Fleming, Leeuwenhoek, Lister, Jenner and Salk--and some of the greatest achievements for mankind. Within the 20th century, a third of all Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine have been bestowed upon microbiologists.

Mission

The ASM is the world's largest scientific society of individuals interested in the microbiological sciences. The mission of the American Society for Microbiology is to advance the microbiological sciences as a vehicle for understanding life processes and to apply and communicate this knowledge for the improvement of health and environmental and economic well being worldwide. To achieve these goals, ASM will:
Support programs of education, training and public information;
Publish journals and books; convene meetings, workshops and colloquia;
Promote the contributions and promise of the microbiological sciences;
Recognize achievement and distinction among its practitioners;
Set standards of ethical and professional behavior.

Code of Ethics
(The Code of Ethics has been revised and approved by Council 2005)

The American Society for Microbiology is dedicated to the utilization of microbiological sciences for the promotion of human welfare and for the accumulation of knowledge. These goals demand honesty and truthfulness in all activities sponsored or supported by the Society.

Governance
The ASM governance structure has two major components. The first and main component is the ASM Council which is made up of 88 voting members and serves as the Society's Board of Directors. Each councilor is charged with fiduciary responsibility for the actions and activities of the Society.

The second component is the Council Policy Committee or CPC which is made up of 18 voting members and serves as the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. The CPC has full authority to act ad interim for the Council; exercises the usual functions of an executive committee; and carries out further duties as provided in the ASM Bylaws. However this authority is "subject to subsequent explanation to and approval by the Council."

The CPC’s voting members are the ASM officers, the chairs of the 6 major program units or boards, the chair of the American Academy of Microbiology and 6 at large members representing the two Society constituencies: divisions and branches. There are two standing committees which report directly to the CPC: the Communications Committee and the Professional Practice Committee. The chairs of both of these standing committees are ex officio (without vote) members of the CPC.