About ABRCMS

What Is ABRCMS?

To move the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) forward, it's crucial that there is more diversity, which means the inclusion of those who have been historically marginalized from working in these fields. The first ABRCMS hosted by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) in 2001, was founded to encourage minority, first-generation, veteran, and disabled students to pursue higher education in STEM. Recently, ABRCMS has expanded to include:

• a hybrid conference,
• an ePoster Spring Symposium for Emerging Scientists,
• a Graduate Symposium,
• and ABRCMS365.

Learn more about each program below!

ABRCMS four-day hybrid conference

• More than 2,300 poster, ePoster and oral presentations given by community college, undergraduate, postbaccalaureate and Graduate students
• Scientific and professional development sessions
• More than 500 exhibit booths
• Networking and mentoring opportunities
• Plenary speakers
• Conference programming tracks for community college, undergraduate, graduate & postdoctoral scientists, and non-students
• Awards banquet

ABRCMS ePoster Spring Symposium for Emerging Scientists

• An ePoster gallery
• Personalized feedback for students from judges
• Conference programming tracks for students (community college, undergraduate, postbaccalaureate and graduate students), postdoctoral scientists, faculty, program directors, administrators and exhibitors.
• Live virtual presentations by selected students

ABRCMS Graduate Symposium

• Highlights doctoral students' research through oral presentations,
• Builds all graduate students' scientific networks with STEM and career professionals, and
• Strengthens all graduate students' professional development skills

ABRCMS365

• Live and on-demand professional development sessions for individuals at various education and career levels
• Virtual networking opportunities
• A STEM Career and Research Summit

Stay Current On All Things ABRCMS!

Who Attends ABRCMS?

Attendee Type	2016	2017	2018	2019	2022	2023*
Students	2,574	2,742	2,965	3,408	3,863	3,862
High Schoolers	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	37	36
Undergrads/Postbacs	2,148	2,374	2,481	2,870	2,977	2,963
Grads/Postdocs	426	350	484	538	849	842
Exhibitors	681	835	859	894	906	1026
Program Directors & Faculty	557	587	626	658	667	1111
Others/Admin	260	206	221	300	545	49
Total	4,072	4,352	4,671	5,260	5,981	6,027

 *Includes all ABRCMS 2023 programs (hybrid conference, ePoster Spring Symposium for Emerging Scientists, Graduate Symposium, and ABRCMS365).

  

 

Why Should I Attend?

Take a look at the different opportunities.

Community College Students

• Present your research
• Learn how to transition to a
  4-year university
• Secure a summer research program
• Network with faculty & administrators
  from universities around the
  country
• Hear from leaders in the STEM field
• Explore opportunities for community college students 

Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate students

• Present your research
• Explore grad schools across the nation
• Learn about cutting-edge science from leaders in the STEM fields
• Feel a part of a community
• Explore funding options for graduate school
• Network and find future collaborators 
• Connect with mentors
• Be motivated by speakers who have gone on similar journeys
• Find out about different career options
• Develop your professional skills set
• Explore opportunities professional societies

Graduate students

• Make connections with peers and faculty from across the nation
• Learn about postdoctoral positions
• Feel a part of our community
• Mentor undergraduates
• Sharpen your professional development skills
• Exhibit with your university
• Share your experiences to inspire others
• Learn about cutting edge science
• Hear from leaders in STEM

Postdoctoral scientists

• Judge student presentations
• Share your experiences with undergraduates and graduates
• Mentor young scientists
• Connect with institutions from across the nation
• Exhibit with your university/institution
• Learn about cutting edge science
• Hear from leaders in STEM
• Enhance your professional development skills
• Explore career options

Exhibitors

• Recruit talented students 
• Judge student presentations
• Network with students and peers
• Mentor the next generation
• Build your connections
• Learn how to help underrepresented minorities succeed in STEM fields

Program Directors,
Faculty and Administrators

• Learn about funding programs
• Judge student presentations
• Mentor talented students
• Network with peers from across the nation
• Learn how to help underrepresented minorities succeed
• Find collaborators
• Enhance your mentoring skills
• Learn about cutting edge science
• Attend sessions specific to your needs
• Share your experiences with the next generation