Matthew Sullivan, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and director of the Center of Microbiome Science, is the recipient of the 2026 Award for Environmental Research from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). 

The award “recognizes an outstanding scientist with distinguished research achievements that have improved our understanding of microbes in the environment, including aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric settings,” according to the ASM announcement. Sullivan’s research focuses on the co-evolution of microbes and viruses in a range of ecosystems, with a specific focus on marine environments.

“The environment needs champions in today’s world, particularly as many of the movers and shakers pulling the strings in almost any ecosystem we study are hidden,” said Sullivan. “This award captures my joy having worked with so many amazing students, postdocs and staff, as well as consortium-scale science teams all seeking to solve mysteries and help us better ‘see’ how viruses impact the hidden bacteria and archaea driving Earth’s ecosystems."

All of the 2026 awardees will be recognized at the 2026 ASM Microbe meeting, to be held June 4-8, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences comprising over 37,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications, educational opportunities and advocacy efforts.