San Antonio (February 16, 2024) – Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Ph.D., a Professor at Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed), has been elected a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, the nation’s leading honorific group representing the microbial and life sciences.
Academy fellows are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process, based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology. The Academy received 156 nominations this year, electing 65 into the 2024 Fellowship Class.
“This a well-deserved honor for Dr. Martinez-Sorbrido, who is recognized around the world as a leading expert in in virology, vaccine and antiviral development,” says Texas Biomed President/CEO Larry Schlesinger, M.D. “He is a truly dedicated and innovative investigator who understands the power of science to improve human health.”
Dr. Martinez-Sobrido joined Texas Biomed in 2020 just before COVID-19 spread through the United States. He and his lab were integral in Texas Biomed’s strategic response to develop animal models that could help study the novel virus. The lab has gone on to innovate ways to track the virus in real time with glowing reporter proteins, which are available to qualified labs around the globe. The team has also developed and tested numerous vaccine platforms, as well as identified and co-patented COVID-19 antibodies.
An expert in a variety of viruses, Dr. Martinez-Sobrido is a part of three national consortiums collaborating to develop antivirals against COVID and other pathogens with the potential to cause pandemics.
Before and since the COVID pandemic, Dr. Martinez-Sobrido has been studying influenza and seeking to develop a universal flu vaccine. He recently received a grant from the American Lung Association to fuel this effort.
The American Academy of Microbiology is the honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of 36,000 scientists and health practitioners.
“Academy Fellowship signifies a distinguished accolade, and I am delighted to extend my congratulations and warm welcome to Dr. Luis Martinez-Sobrido as a member of the 2024 Cohort,” says Vanessa Sperandio, Ph.D., Chair of the Academy Governors. “Fellows are an outstanding assembly of scientists whose contributions have propelled discipline and whose knowledge benefits both the scientific community and broader society.”
Learn more about the 2024 Fellowship Class.