WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize

The WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize acknowledges and celebrates individuals, teams, or organisations that have made groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. This award distinguishes itself by encompassing a broad spectrum of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), illustrating the versatile and wide-ranging impact of microbiology in various global contexts. 

The recipient of the award shall receive:

• £3,000 in prize money
• A commemorative plaque highlighting their achievement
• An invitation to submit an article to an AMI-owned journal
• The opportunity to present/chair at an AMI conference, webinar, roundtable, or similar event

Only members can nominate for this award. Nominations close 11 July 2025. Following this, AMI's internal awards panel will evaluate the nominations and decide on a winner, which will be announced on 1 October.

Applied microbiology significantly contributes to a wide array of targets across multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These contributions reflect the diverse and far-reaching impact of microbiological research and innovation in addressing global challenges. These include:

1. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Research in agricultural microbiology that addresses food safety, enhances crop resilience, and drives sustainable agricultural methods, thereby directly contributing to global food security.
2. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Breakthroughs in medical microbiology, encompassing the development of vaccines, novel antimicrobial therapies, and strategies for infectious disease management, bolstering global health and well-being.
3. SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Innovations in microbiological techniques for water treatment and sanitation, crucial in ensuring access to clean and safe water, and in maintaining hygienic conditions, directly impacting public health.
4. SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The exploration and utilisation of microbial processes for bioenergy production, offering sustainable and affordable energy solutions, crucial in the transition towards greener energy sources.
5. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Microbiology's role in industrial innovation, from biotechnological advancements to the development of sustainable production processes, significantly contributes to robust industrial growth and infrastructure development.
6. SDG 13 (Climate Action): Research focusing on the critical role of microorganisms in ecological processes such as carbon cycling, greenhouse gas reduction, and climate resilience, providing key insights and solutions for effective climate action.
7. SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Microbiological research in marine ecosystems contributes to understanding and preserving ocean health. This includes studying the role of microorganisms in nutrient cycling, their impact on coral reef systems, and developing bioremediation techniques for ocean pollution. Such research is essential for sustaining marine biodiversity and ensuring healthy oceanic environments.
8. SDG 15 (Life on Land): Applied microbiology plays a significant role in maintaining terrestrial ecosystems' health. This involves researching soil microbiomes for sustainable land management, aiding in forest conservation, and combating land degradation. Microbiological studies help in understanding and preserving biodiversity, playing a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems.

The WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize acknowledges these vast contributions, spotlighting the integral role of microbiology in achieving a sustainable future.