The Convergent Effect of International Collaboration between Young Leaders of Two Global Societies: Strengthening Microbiology Education and Training Practices Worldwide

摘要

There has never been a more critical time than now for young microbiologists to engage in continuous postgraduate education. To keep up with the ever-changing nature of microbiology (advent of high-throughput sequencing platforms, bioinformatics, complex omic, culture and systems-biology approaches), and to ensure timely response to the current global health and biodiversity threats, the next-generation microbiologists need to integrate several scientific disciplines in the early stages of their careers.Here we propose that international collaboration of young experts may help to address these challenges facing  microbiology education and serve as a communication bridge between senior scientists and early career students. To establish a one-of-a-kind collaboration, the Trainee Association (TAE) of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and the Young Leaders Circle (YLC) of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) joined efforts to improve the representation of the interests of young members within the two largest societies in the field of microbiology.Through this partnership, both societies aim to promote continuous education among young scientists and the general public. Additionally, we intend to identify shared objectives and introduce joint activities that could lead to a beneficial exchange process for a long-lasting relationship. This partnership sets the basis to further contribute to advancing both the quality and quantity of education, which would be a substantial investment for the future of microbiology.