ASM and IDSA to Launch New Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance

ASM and IDSA to Launch New Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance

The American Society for Microbiology and IDSA are excited to announce a partnership to develop an annual conference on antimicrobial resistance. This landmark conference will serve as a one-of-a-kind forum for academia and industry stakeholders to collaborate and explore the latest advances in antimicrobial drug discovery and development, mechanisms of resistance and pharmacological aspects, among other topics. The first conference will take place in the United States in early 2026.

AMR is among the most critical public health challenges of our time, with far-reaching consequences for communities worldwide. Addressing this global threat requires robust, collaborative efforts to respond to the urgent need for novel antimicrobial solutions. Professional organizations play a key role in these efforts by serving as a platform to bring together industry, academia and government scientists.

"I am excited to announce the launch of this new conference, which is a direct response to the pressing need I heard from the scientific community," said ASM CEO Stefano Bertuzzi, PhD, MPH. "I am particularly excited about building a strong partnership with IDSA, other strategic partners and great leaders while embracing industry collaboration. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation in early-stage clinical therapeutics development to deliver solutions to address the urgent global challenge of antimicrobial resistance."

"As the threat of antimicrobial resistance grows, advancing the development of new antimicrobial drugs and other strategies to tackle AMR is more critical than ever and continues to be a top priority of IDSA," said IDSA CEO Chris Busky, CAE. "By partnering with ASM and other key organizations, we can drive innovation and ensure patients have access to the lifesaving treatments they need."

To lead this effort and develop the scientific content of the conference, ASM and IDSA have selected Cesar Arias, MD, MSc, PhD, chief, Division of Infectious Diseases at Houston Methodist Hospital, and professor of medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, and editor-in-chief of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, and Greg Moeck, PhD, senior vice president, microbiology, Venatorx Pharmaceuticals Inc., as co-chairs of the Program Committee.

The conference will focus on cutting-edge research and discussions surrounding the mechanisms of resistance, early drug discovery science -- including the development of new drugs, from lead discovery and optimization to early-phase clinical trials. Additionally, the conference will explore strategies for uniting academic, clinical and industry experts to tackle the major threat of AMR.

This collaboration between ASM and IDSA seeks to engage a broad and dynamic global audience, including academic researchers and industry professionals involved in early drug discovery and development, scientists studying antimicrobial mechanisms and resistance, infectious diseases physicians and pharmacists, microbiologists, patient advocates and other key stakeholders such as investors and NGOs. By fostering dialogue across disciplines, the conference will establish a venue to provide industry with input and feedback from attendees, impacting future drug discovery and development.

The conference demonstrates ASM's and IDSA's joint commitment to creating an enduring platform to support the advancement of global health initiatives that leverage the power of microbes to combat AMR.

Additional details will be announced in early 2025.

About ASM
The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of over 37,000 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 diverse audiences.

About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a community of more than 13,000 physicians, scientists and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases. Its purpose is to improve the health of individuals, communities and society by promoting excellence in patient care, education, research, public health and prevention relating to infectious diseases. Learn more at idsociety.org.