ASM Launches Mechanism Discovery Scientific Unit

ASM Launches Mechanism Discovery Scientific Unit

April 29, 2026

Washington, D.C.-The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) today announced the launch of its Mechanism Discovery Unit, a bold new initiative designed to illuminate the fundamental principles that govern microbial life across scales and disciplines. By accelerating curiosity-driven research into the "how" and "why" of microbial systems, ASM is reinforcing the scientific foundation that fuels breakthroughs across medicine, environmental science and biotechnology.

As the third and final scientific unit in ASM's strategic roadmap, the Mechanism Discovery Unit serves as a hub for researchers using microbes to answer some of the most fundamental questions in biology. This work advances understanding of the world while providing essential insights that make future applications possible, from novel therapeutics to sustainable technologies and beyond.

The Mechanism Discovery Unit will be led by Director Glen McGugan, Ph.D., formerly of the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Chair Alison Criss, Ph.D., professor and vice chair of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

"Many of the most transformative scientific breakthroughs begin with basic discovery," said McGugan. "Because it's often impossible to predict where the next revolutionary innovation will emerge, investing in fundamental microbial research is critical to expanding knowledge that benefits society."

The unit reflects the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of microbial science, bringing together experts across microbiology, physics, chemistry, engineering and related fields. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors, ASM aims to catalyze new insights and drive progress across the scientific ecosystem.

"This is where new ideas take shape and disciplines intersect in unexpected ways," said Criss. "By fostering strategic partnerships across scientific domains, geographies and career stages, the Mechanism Discovery Unit is designed to accelerate discovery and support the next generation of microbial scientists."

Mechanism Discovery will unite microbial scientists and partners to identify research gaps, define future priorities, promote method development and standardization, advocate for investment in mechanism discovery research, uphold rigor and reproducibility across the microbial sciences and communicate the importance of basic science.

In partnership with McGugan and Criss, a Scientific Advisory Council, will help guide the Mechanism Discovery unit's strategic direction. The interim council comprises 14 experts across the unit's subdisciplines and sectors:

• Narendra Dixit, Ph.D., M.S., professor, Indian Institute of Science.
• Tao Dong, Ph.D., professor and associate dean, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology.
• Devin M. Drown, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
• Sean Gibbons, Ph.D., associate professor, Institute for Systems Biology.
• Matthew Lawrenz, Ph.D., professor and vice chair, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine.
• Sebastian Lourido, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, MIT.
• Mary O'Riordan, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology, University of Michigan Medical School. 
• Kumaran Ramamurthi, Ph.D., senior investigator, National Cancer Institute. 
• Marcio L. Rodrigues, Ph.D., senior investigator in public health, Carlos Chagas Institute of Fiocruz, Professor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. 
• Nina Salama, Ph.D., senior vice president education, Human Biology Division; Dr. Penny E. Peterson Memorial Chair for Lymphoma Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. 
• Stacey Schultz-Cherry, Ph.D., member, Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 
• Elizabeth A. Shank, Ph.D., associate professor, UMass Chan Medical School.
• Sunny Shin, Ph.D., professor of microbiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. 
• Paula Watnick, M.D., Ph.D., scientist, Boston Children's Hospital; professor, Harvard Medican School.

With the launch of the Mechanism Discovery Unit, ASM strengthens its role in supporting the full continuum of microbial science-from discovery to real-world impact-while reinforcing the essential role of curiosity-driven research in driving innovation.

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The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of over 38,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.  

ASM 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, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to all audiences.