Every year, after a stringent review process, the awards and 1 prize are given to exceptional individuals who come from all sub-disciplines and career stages of microbiology. 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Awards highlight individuals who have made significant contributions to advance the field and their institutions. Recipients are awarded an honorarium and are invited to present and be recognized at the 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Microbe meeting.
Being nominated for an 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Award or Prize is an honor for any scientist. It reflects the trust and respect of their colleagues. Therefore, there is no better way to show gratitude to a mentor, respect to a colleague or support for an early career scientist than by nominating them and sharing their good work.
The 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Awards and Prize program is managed by the  American Academy of Microbiology  (Academy), the honorific leadership group and think tank within 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ. The Academy is aware that there are excellent microbiologists with diverse perspectives and experiences who deserve this honor, but are less often nominated. Nomination of microbiologists from diverse backgrounds, geographic locations and sectors are greatly welcomed.
Nominations for the 2026 Awards and Prize cycle are now open. Submissions are due by July 1, 2025.
Awards and Prize
With 17 awards and a microbiome data prize, there is an award for everyone.
Nominate a Colleague
Review the nomination process and application timeline.
2025 Award and Prize Recipients
91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ congratulates the 2025 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Award & Prize recipients for their achievements in research, education and leadership.
Recognize Excellence in Microbial Sciences
From early career to lifetime achievement, clinical to environmental microbiology, there is an award to honor outstanding science at every career level and in every sub-discipline of the microbial sciences.
View Past Awards and Prize Recipients’ Contributions
This Week in Virology: Weiss Hath No Furin Like a Virus Scorned
Listen to the Podcast
Editors in Conversation: Microbiology in the Headlines with Dr. Ben Pinsky
View the 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Microbe Session
New 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Curriculum Guidelines Foster Microbial Literacy
Davida Smyth, Ph.D., explains how the guidelines have been updated and highlights ways in which advances in the field of the microbial sciences has necessitated these revisions.
Review the Updates
Is Your Water Safe to Drink? Ask the Microbes.
Musau WaKabongo, Ph.D., shares the importance of edcuation and community engagement for implementing and sustaining water-testing and purification practices to ensure safe drinking water.
Read the Article