In February, Fredrik Bäckhed was elected to the American Academy of Microbiology. The Academy is part of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), which represents all specialties within microbial sciences. Academy members are involved in basic and applied research, teaching, and public health, and are active in academia, industry, and government.

New academy members are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process based on scientific achievements and their contributions to microbiology. Fredrik Bäckhed is one of 65 newly elected members from 9 countries, including Australia, Denmark, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Sweden.

ASM is the world's largest scientific society for microbiology, with over 37,000 scientists and healthcare professionals. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.

More about the new Academy members and the election process