The ASM is a not-for-profit organisation, formed in 1959 as a learned society devoted to furthering the science of microbiology. In 1976, the ASM became an incorporated professional society, and has a membership approaching 2000. The society functions in “bringing microbiologists together” with the objective of advancing the science of microbiology in Australia. The main objective of the ASM is to advance the science of microbiology in Australia. The society does this through the production and promotion of reading material, lectures, seminars, symposia and demonstrations on topics relevant to microbiology, as well as establishing and maintaining suitable standards for the practice of microbiology as a profession. The ASM also promotes the awareness of microbiology and its role in everyday life, and actively liaises with governments and other professional bodies at both State and Federal levels in support of its members and the profession.