An invitation to join your Canadian Society of Microbiologists

The executive of the Canadian Society of Microbiologists (CSM) would like to invite you to join the society.

"Fostering the advancement of microbiology and the interchange of ideas"

On becoming a member of the CSM, you have a voice in a society established over 50 years ago that brings together researchers, students and other professionals working in microbiology or allied disciplines.

"The society is divided into 3 sections on the basis of broad areas of interest"

The study of Microbiology encompasses all forms of microorganisms ranging from bacteria and their associated phage to eukaryotes (fungi, other lower eukaryotes and cell cultures) and their associated viruses. You will find the CSM divided into 3 sections: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Infection and Immunity and Molecular Genetics and Cellular Microbiology. It is recognized that these 3 broad areas do have overlap both in research technique as well as scientific interest. Nevertheless, it is hoped that you will all find a comfortable scientific home within one of these sections.

What are the benefits of membership in the CSM?

The membership year for the society runs from January 1st to December 31st. As a member you will:

	Benefit from a reduction of up to 33% in the registration fees of the Annual General Meeting.
	Have the opportunity to subscribe to the Canadian Journal of Microbiology. Members receive a savings of over $90.00 per year.
	Have the opportunity to post news items (e.g. job seeking, event announcement, news about colleagues) to the CSM web site FREE of charge.
	Be eligible for nomination and participation in our “members only” awards: the SCM/Roche Diagnostic Award in recognition to an outstanding Canadian Microbiologist and his/her achievements, the Fisher Scientific Award given to stimulate and recognize a new researcher in the microbiological sciences, the Canadian Graduate Student Microbiologist of the Year to acknowledge excellence in graduate studies, the Cederlane Award for the Student Poster Competition, and the Canadian college of Microbiologists Award for the Student Oral Competition.

Message From the Sections

The study of Microbiology encompasses all forms of microorganisms ranging from bacteria and their associated phage to eukaryotes (fungi, other lower eukaryotes and mammalian cell cultures) and their associated viruses. The overall goal of the CSM is to advance the study of all aspects of microbiology and to foster an atmosphere and a forum where an exchange of ideas and knowledge can take place. As such the society is divided into 3 sections on the basis of broad areas of interest rather than on the basis of research technique or biological species. These areas are: Applied and Environmental Microbiology (AEM), Infection and Immunity (II) and Molecular Genetics and Cellular Microbiology (MGCM). It is recognized that these 3 broad areas do have overlap both in research technique as well as scientific interest. Nevertheless, it is hoped that you will all find a comfortable scientific home within one of the sections below.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology

The scope of interests in the Applied and Environmental Microbiology section includes two large fields in microbiology. The Environmental Microbiology field includes the study of microorganisms found in soils, sediments, water and air, and their relation to each other and to humans, animals and plants. The Applied Microbiology field includes microorganisms involved in all kinds of biotechnology such as found in food science, agriculture, value-added products from biomass, waste treatment and bioremediation, pharmacology… People interested in these fields are welcome.

Infection and Immunity

The scope of interests of the Infection and Immunity (II) section includes microbial pathogenesis, medical and veterinary microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, immunity to microbial infections, and the usage and development of vaccines and therapies against infectious diseases. People whose research involves the study of bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes causing infectious diseases of humans, animals, and/or plants are welcome.

Molecular Genetics and Cellular Microbiology

This section encompasses all aspects of microbiology that are not commonly thought of as directly environmental or medically significant. As such the interests encompass all aspects of molecular and microbial genetics (gene to genome), physiology and biochemistry (metabolite to whole organism) that deal with the life of the organism and its interactions with its surroundings. People who feel that their interests lie within these parameters are welcome.

I invite you to JOIN TODAY.

Trevor Charles
President, Canadian Society of Microbiologists