Federico Sisti, an Argentine scientist, has been appointed as the president of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), marking a historic milestone as he will be the first leader of the organization to reside and work outside of the United States in its 127-year history. Sisti's term will begin in July and will last for three years, during which he emphasizes the importance of this opportunity and acknowledges the surprise of being selected for such a prestigious role traditionally held by American or US-based scientists.

Sisti expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, indicating that the presidency came as a surprise due to the long history of the organization where the leadership has primarily been concentrated among US colleagues or those working in American laboratories. This appointment is a significant recognition of the contributions of international scientists to the field of microbiology and opens avenues for broader global collaboration in research and scientific advancement.

As Sisti prepares to take on this role, his presidency may signal a shift towards more inclusive practices within international scientific organizations, promoting diversity and the inclusion of varied perspectives in leading institutions. His leadership could help bridge connections between researchers worldwide and enhance the ASM's mission to advance the microbiological sciences on a global scale.