Microbiologist Alejandro Vila awarded international prize for antibiotic resistance research

Microbiologist Alejandro Vila has been awarded the 2026 Moselio Schaechter Prize by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). The award recognizes his scientific leadership and contributions to understanding how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, a critical global health issue.

Vila is a senior researcher at CONICET, a professor at the Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), and the director of the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR). The prize is specifically intended to honor researchers from developing countries who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the advancement of global microbiology.

Vila noted that his work is a collective effort, having trained approximately 50 professionals since 1993. This marks only the third time an Argentine has received this distinction, following Diego de Mendoza in 2015.