91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ

The 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ William A. Hinton Award for Advancement of a Diverse Community of Microbiologists recognizes outstanding contributions and service toward fostering the research training of microbiologists with diverse perspectives and experiences and increasing diversity in microbiology. It is given in memory of William A. Hinton, a physician-research scientist, and one of the first Black scientists to join 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ. He developed the Hinton test for syphilis, which became the standard procedure due to its ease of use, cost-effectiveness and accuracy compared to earlier tests.

2026 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ William A. Hinton Awardee

Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Ph.D., SCCM(MLS)

Diné College

Eligibility

Open to all individuals, 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ will actively promote the award to members who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the microbial sciences, which are at the core of this award, and across a wide range of communities, such as community colleges, rural and remote areas, HBCUs and others that have historically been excluded from participating in the scientific workforce.

Nominations Must Include:

1. Nomination Form. The nominator will need to create a free 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ account, or log in to their current 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ account, to complete the nomination. Self-nominations will not be accepted (in other words, you cannot nominate yourself for the award). Nominators must address the nominee's contributions and service toward fostering the research training of microbiologists with diverse perspectives and experiences in pursuing their science and increasing diversity in microbiology. 
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the nominee is required to complete the nomination. After the nomination form is submitted by the nominator, the nominee will be contacted by 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ and asked to provide a current CV or enter highlights from their CV on a CV template. Completing the CV template is highly recommended; however, the selection committee will accept either the template or the nominee’s current CV.
3. Nominee Statement. Nominees will be asked to provide a nominee statement describing their most significant contributions to the field of microbial sciences, explaining how their contributions meet the criteria for the award and why they are deserving of the award.

Awardee Benefits

The Award Laureate will receive the following honors:

• One time waiver to publish an article without charge in 1 of 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Journals.
• A cash prize of $1,700.
• Personalized commemorative keepsake.
• Be invited to speak at the next 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Microbe meeting.
• Be recognized at the next 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ Microbe meeting and be invited as honored guests at the 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ and American Academy of Microbiology leadership receptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to the most frequently asked questions about 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ awards, see the Awards and Prize FAQs page.

Award Selection Process

All eligible nominations will be reviewed by the respective award selection committee. The committee members will use the nomination materials to evaluate each nominee using the described eligibility criteria. The committee will discuss outstanding candidates and determine the awardee for that year. The committee takes into consideration various factors about the nominees in the decision to ensure the selected awardee is a strong example of excellence in the field. The award will be given to the nominee with the most outstanding contributions and service toward fostering the research training of microbiologists with diverse perspectives and experiences and toward increasing diversity in microbiology, such as microbiologists from historically underrepresented communities. 

A list of selection committee members of the 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ William A. Hinton Award for Advancement of a Diverse Community of Microbiologists is available from awards@asmusa.org. 91Â鶹ÌìÃÀ awards are granted at the discretion of award selection committees and might not be awarded every year.

Questions? Contact awards@asmusa.org.