Applied Microbiology International (AMI) has published the results of its 2026 Member Survey, revealing a highly engaged and increasingly international membership community, while highlighting new opportunities to strengthen accessibility, visibility and participation across the organisation.
The survey found strong overall satisfaction among members, with around three-quarters rating their membership as good or very high value and 90% saying they would recommend AMI to colleagues. Respondents consistently described the learned society as a credible, supportive, inclusive and mission-driven organisation.
The findings also underline AMI’s growing appeal among students and early-career microbiologists. More than one-third of respondents identified as early-career professionals, while almost half fell into either student or early-career categories. Their feedback highlighted a strong appetite for mentorship, professional development, funding opportunities, volunteering and clearer pathways for career progression.
The survey suggests that creating clearer routes for involvement could significantly strengthen long-term engagement and retention. Many respondents said they were keen to become more active within AMI but were uncertain about where to begin or how to navigate available opportunities.
Global reach
The results also demonstrate AMI’s increasingly global reach. Africa represented the largest regional group of respondents, followed by Asia-Pacific, the UK and continental Europe. Members from across the world reported strong connections to the organisation and valued its international recognition, professional networks and funding opportunities.
At the same time, respondents highlighted regional challenges that can affect participation, including membership costs, access to travel funding, grant eligibility requirements and time-zone barriers. Members suggested practical measures such as expanding regional ambassador networks, offering more time-zone-friendly webinars, supporting international student chapters and increasing regionally relevant content.
Communication and awareness emerged as another key theme. While overall satisfaction remained high, some members reported limited awareness of the full range of benefits available through membership. Reading The Microbiologist magazine was identified as the most widely used member benefit, reinforcing its importance as a central connection point between AMI and its global community.
Respondents suggest enhancing onboarding processes, introducing clearer signposting to grants and volunteering opportunities, and developing more personalised communications to help members discover underused benefits.
Importance of learned societies
Importantly, the findings suggest that AMI’s distinctive culture becomes more apparent through active participation. Members who had volunteered, contributed to publications, served on advisory groups or accessed professional development programmes were more likely to describe the organisation as uniquely supportive, collaborative and community-focused.
“Ultimately, the 2026 survey presents a highly encouraging picture. AMI is clearly seen as a respected and trusted organisation with strong advocacy, a genuinely international membership, and a compelling mission rooted in the real-world impact of applied microbiology,” said AMI chief executive Dr Lucy Harper.
“The challenge ahead is not one of relevance or demand. Instead, it is about accessibility, visibility, and participation: ensuring that members across different career stages, regions, and backgrounds can easily understand how to engage, where to contribute, and how AMI can support their professional journeys.”
To read the full report, click HERE.
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