News Release

American Society for Microbiology honors Stephen C. Edberg

Grant and Award Announcement

American Society for Microbiology

Washington, DC—May 28, 2008—The 2008 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) BD Award for Research in Clinical Microbiology is being presented to Stephen C. Edberg, Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, and Director, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Yale-New Haven Hospital. Sponsored by BD Diagnostic Systems, this award recognizes a distinguished scientist for research accomplishments that form the foundation for important applications in clinical microbiology.

Dr. Edberg's contributions to clinical microbiology are vast and have played a role in many public health issues. His research has resulted in more than 180 publications, and his work has been foundational in many areas. Among Dr. Edberg's research activities that have found their way into usage in clinical microbiology laboratories are: constitutive enzyme testing for the rapid identification of Gram-negative species, the refinement of immunoglobulin coating of latex particles for the direct detection of antigens, and the use of hydrolysable substrates to directly identify bacterial and mycotic isolates within one hour. His work laid the groundwork for many of today's rapid identification methods. Dr. Edberg's most significant contribution to global well-being was his development of the "Colilert" test for the detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli in drinking water under field and laboratory conditions. This test system is a monumental contribution to world health, especially in developing countries.

Dr. Edberg received his B.A. in Biology from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and his M.A. in Bacteriology from Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York. He earned his Ph.D. at the State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School.

The BD Award for Research in Clinical Microbiology will be presented during the 108th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), June 1 – June 5, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. ASM is the world's oldest and largest life science organization and has more than 43,000 members worldwide. ASM's mission is to advance the microbiological sciences and promote the use of scientific knowledge for improved health and economic and environmental well-being.

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