Bergey's International Society for Microbial Systematics (BISMiS)

Goals

The purpose of the society is to promote excellent research in microbial systematics as well as enhance global communication among taxonomists who study the Bacteria and Archaea. The society will also serve internationally as an advocate for research efforts on microbial systematics and diversity.

The Trust recognizes that the vast diversity of microbial life is the last remaining major reservoir of unknown biological diversity on Earth. A principal goal of the society is to comprehend this vast but largely unstudied diversity with its untapped genetic, enzymic and industrial potential. A basic aim of the society is to foster efforts to isolate novel microorganisms in pure culture and to describe, name and classify them.

History

Bergey's Manual Trust began considering the idea of an international society to support microbial systematics in 2006-2007. Through the Bergey's Manual Trust web site and Newsletter an online survey was conducted to determine if there was sufficient interest among the community of microbiologists who study the Bacteria and Archaea to form a Society. The results of the survey coupled with a discussion held at the 2008 International Union of Microbiological Societies meeting in Istanbul were highly supportive of the concept. Based on this, the Trust voted to sponsor BISMiS at its annual meeting in 2009.

Bergey's Manual Trust, which is an international Trust of microbial systematists, is an ideal organization to sponsor an international society because it is a non-profit trust [a USA 501(c)3 tax entity] that is devoted to serving the needs of the global community of microbial taxonomists interested in Bacteria and Archaea.

Membership

Membership is open to all who are interested in joining the society. There are four membership categories: Full, Lifetime, Student and Institutional. Memberships (with the exception of Lifetime) will be renewed on January 1 of each year. Unless otherwise indicated, applications received before November 1 will be credited to the current year. Applications received after November 1 will become effective the following year.

Those members who join the Society in 2010 will become Charter Members. Charter members may receive a Certificate of Charter Membership that indicates their Charter Member status by submitting an additional US$10 to Bergey's Manual Trust cover the costs of handling and shipping at the time they enroll for membership.

Full membership

The Society invites applications for Full membership from any person who is interested in the subject of microbial systematics and holds a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related subject.

The annual dues are US$50.00. A lifetime individual membership is also available for US$500. Members are entitled to receive the online Bergey's International Society for Microbial Systematics Bulletin which will be published twice a year beginning in fall 2010, and the online Bergey's Manual Trust Newsletter. Members will also receive a reduced registration fee for attendance of meetings.

Student membership

Any person who is interested in the subject of microbial systematics and is enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in microbiology or a related subject may join as a Student member.

The annual dues are US$30.00. Student members will receive the online journal Bergey's International Society for Microbial Systematics Bulletin, which will be published twice a year beginning in fall 2010, and the online Bergey's Manual Trust Newsletter. Student members will also receive a reduced registration fee for attendance of meetings.

Student members may also join if they provide evidence through a signed letter from the head of their department that they are enrolled at a university along with their special membership application.

Institutional membership

Institutions such as culture collections are also invited to apply for membership with an annual membership dues of US$1000.

Send downloaded application forms by mail, email or fax to:
BISMiS, Bergey's Manual Trust
Department of Microbiology
527 Biological Sciences Building
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-2605
USA

Fax: +1 706-542-6599
email: mibcoord at uga.edu

Donations

The Society would be pleased to accept donations in support of its activities. Any such donations would be tax-deductible for US taxpayers as BISMiS is part of a non-profit trust [USA 501(c)3 tax entity].

Meetings

The first meeting of BISMiS is being organized now and is scheduled for Spring 2011. More details will become available soon.

Publications

Members will have access to the Bergey's Newsletter and a new publication, Bergey's International Society for Microbial Systematics Bulletin. The first issue of the Bulletin is planned for release in the fall of 2010. This publication will be available to members only for a period of six months following publication.

The BISMiS Bulletin will focus on invited opinion articles, review articles, educational articles on methodologies, and invited autobiographies and biographies. Original research articles will not be published.

Constitution

A draft of the constitution is being prepared. It will be circulated online to members prior to the first meeting of the society so that members may provide input on it before it is finally approved by members.

Honorific Branch

One goal of the Society is to provide appropriate recognition to those who have made significant contributions to microbial systematics. The major reason for this is to acknowledge the importance of the recipient's contributions and to aid in their careers. In addition, this group of well-known systematists can serve as a powerful international voice in promoting the field of microbial systematics.