Microbial Science Research in the Post-COVID Environment

Authors

Nguyen K Nguyen
Carey-Ann D Burnham
Arturo Casadevall
Mary K Estes
Rebecca V Ferrell
Suzanne M J Fleiszig
speakers, moderators, and panelists of the ASM Virtual Symposium: Microbial Science Research in the Post-COVID Environment

Publication Date

6-29-2021

Journal

mBio

DOI

10.1128/mBio.01116-21

PMID

34044593

PMCID

PMC8262865

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

5-28-2021

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-Print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

Biomedical Research, COVID-19, Humans, Primary Prevention, SARS-CoV-2, big data, collaboration, pandemic response, coronavirus, public health

Abstract

Since early 2020, the world has witnessed the unprecedented accomplishments of the scientific community in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the meantime, we also learned valuable lessons and recognized the challenges that hindered our successes. In this article, we synthesize the ideas discussed at the ASM Virtual Symposium: Microbial Science Research in the Post-COVID Environment on 10 November 2020. We propose three new approaches that microbiology researchers can embrace to overcome these challenges. Moreover, we suggest broad systematic changes to focus on social impacts, teamwork, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe these values are needed to prepare the microbial science research community for future opportunities and challenges.