News headlines often paint E. coli as a vicious bacterium, capable of causing disease and death to those unfortunate enough to ingest it. But that is only a tiny minority of E. coli, and a very small part of the story of this remarkable bacterium; its relationship to human health and the food we eat is much more complex. Not all E. coli are bad - in fact most are not - and some are even beneficial. On September 1st 2011, the American Academy of Microbiology convened an expert panel of microbiologists, food safety experts, and bacteriologists to develop a more accurate picture of this often maligned bacterium. This report, the product of that meeting, tells the larger story of E. coli: its role in human health, in food, and even in our understanding of our own biology.

The microbial world represents the last truly unexplored frontier in the diversity of life on Earth.  New environmental sampling technologies have revealed a wealth of rare microbial species in the soil, ocean, even our own bodies that were effectively cloaked from previous sampling methods by more abundant species.  Dubbed the rare biosphere, these microbial species, while individually rare, collectively account for more than 75% of the biomass of some microbial communities, yet little is known about them.  This rare biosphere represents a treasure trove of genetic novelty that may possess numerous unique bioprocesses and biomaterials.  These rare species may play keystone roles in microbial communities and act as a reservoir of genetic diversity.   But how can scientists effectively study the rare biosphere?  In April 2009 the American Academy of Microbiology convened a colloquium to explore this question.  Based on that colloquium, this report analyzes the current state of study of the rare biosphere and identifies where gaps in knowledge exist.  The report concludes that the Herculean task of studying the rare biosphere requires an international collaborative effort and additional environmental sampling, coupled with a focus on advancing sequencing and data analysis technologies.  With less than 1% of microbial species able to be grown in the laboratory, the prospects of new discoveries in the rare biosphere seem as vast as microbial diversity itself.

In a rapidly evolving field, recruitment and education is critical, and microbiology is no exception.  Intensive summer courses staffed by some of the most brilliant minds in microbiology, have proven to be a popular and effective way to hone early and mid-career microbiologist’s skills.  The courses are particularly successful at equipping researchers for careers in emerging fields at the intersection of existing disciplines. Based on a colloquium held in January 2011, this report details the contribution of full immersion summer courses to the education of the microbiologists of the future.  The report describes the broad and lasting impact of the current courses and defines common challenges that they all face.  The recommendations in the report suggest ways to leverage the value and increase the impact of these courses, and propose developing a framework to allow course directors to communicate best practices and develop shared approaches to common challenges. The report affirms the value of these courses in developing the next generation of outstanding microbiologists.

Prepared by Merry Buckley, Thomas Slezak, and Thomas Brettin.

Bioinformatics, the application of computer analysis to molecular biology, is a fundamental corollary to biodefense research. As we face new security threats involving pathogens and infectious disease, bioinformatics databases must be improved and a plan must be made for integrating biodefense research throughout the world. This report outlines the recommendations made by the world's leaders in bioinformatics at a colloquium held in Baltimore.

Prepared by Moselio Schaechter, Roberto Kolter and Merry Buckley.

This report details the central importance of microbes to life on earth, the direction microbiology research will take in the 21st Century and ways to foster public microbial literacy beginning at an elementary school level.

Prepared by W. Jack Payne, Ph.D.

Identifies promising research areas in microbiology, particularly those that offer the greatest potential for long-term benefits and opportunities.

Prepared by Francis L. Macrina, Ph.D.

Includes an in-depth analysis of the issues involved in collaborative scientific research and makes recommendations to educators, the broader microbiology community, policy makers, and the public.