Summary: The U.S. National Committee (USNC) for the International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS) represents the United States in the IUMS, a member of the International Council for Science (ICSU). The USNC/IUMS works closely with the Union to promote the microbiological sciences in the United States and internationally through research, workshops, and publications. The IUMS is divided into three divisions: Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology; Mycology; and Virology. These divisions each have their own set of officers and objectives; however, they work together toward the goal of furthering microbiology research and communication globally. The committee’s responsibilities include the following: -Initiating, facilitating, and coordinating research and other scientific activities that involve international cooperation. -Ensuring discussion and dissemination of results of international cooperative research through support for international conferences, symposia and meetings, and the publication of their reports. -Networking with other international organizations that affect the microbiological sciences.
