Our American Society for Virology (ASV) promotes the study and combatting of viruses, more than ever recognizing their importance and responding to them with research and education. Our academic, government, and industry trainees and members work relentlessly to understand viral infections and spread, and develop ways to combat them.  We are hearing from our membership about their concerns regarding recent policy changes affecting the scientific community. As your professional society, we recognize that times of transition can create uncertainty for researchers, educators, and trainees across our academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies. We understand our members’ concerns and affirm our commitment to supporting our virology community and the pursuit of the scientific research that makes our nation and the world safer and healthier.

We want to assure our virology community that we stand behind the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts and programs ASV has implemented.  We believe that a broad and diverse scientific workforce is critical for innovation, superior research outcomes, and scientific progress. We strongly support and value our underrepresented, marginalized, and minoritized members and their invaluable contributions to scientific advancement. We will continue to advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in virology and the broader scientific community because this results in exceptional science, makes us stronger as a community, makes our science better, and aligns with the values of ASV.

Over the last few years, we have understood more than ever the impact of virology research and its importance in addressing global health threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed how the practice of science and use of technology by people from academia, industry, medicine, and public health agencies collectively led to development of vaccines, antiviral therapeutics, and evidence-based policy that reduced COVID-19 deaths.  Since 2010, U.S. and international efforts to treat HIV with robust antivirals have decreased mortality by over 50%. Currently, we are working to understand and combat the avian influenza outbreak that is having significant impact on our agricultural communities, is affecting the American food supply and costs, and poses the threat of another potential pandemic risk in humans and other animals – highlighting the ongoing importance of sustained support for virological research. Realistically, federal funding and commitment to virology research from our government agencies and officials must continue to ensure that we remain prepared to respond to emerging viruses, protect the health of our nation and interconnected global communities, and promote food security. ASV will continue to strongly advocate on behalf of science and virology by communicating the merits, value, benefits, and achievements of virology and defend against harmful disinformation. This work directly impacts the lives, health, and security of Americans and people around the globe.

ASV stands strong and calls all its members to continue to work and train relentlessly. We remain optimistic that we will continue to thrive as a scientific and medical community. Why? Because by overwhelming majorities, Americans support science and technology. A new 2025-release of a Research!America survey demonstrated that 90% of Americans want their government to support and elevate medical progress. Those who believe their children will be better off in the future cited science and technology as the primary reason. ASV members remain committed to make this a reality by contributing research, knowledge, innovation, and education. Our future lies in the hands of our virology trainees—their diverse backgrounds and experiences are critical to confronting the challenges of future global health problems. ASV will continue to stand firm in its commitment to providing reliable scientific information related to virology and speak out when needed to support evidence-based approaches to public health policy.

ASV members, we remain resilient. Despite the challenges ahead of us, let us continue to do our best science, as well as support, encourage, and inspire our trainees so we can contribute to a secure and brighter future for everyone.

ASV President and Council