Giving to Microbiology & Immunology
Two researchers in white coats working in a laboratory.

Fueling Discovery in Infectious Diseases

Help us unlock the mysteries of the immune system and its reaction to bacteria and viruses.

Our research has a wide reach, increasing what we know about the causes of infectious diseases and how to prevent and control them. We work across disciplines to teach medical, dental, and allied health students at all levels. Your gift can help us:

  • Investigate viruses that cause acute and persistent infections
  • Examine how the microbiome impacts our well-being
  • Leverage computer science to increase knowledge
  • Find new ways to stop the spread of infectious diseases
  • Share what we learn nationally and globally
  • Train the next generation of leaders in the field

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology was founded in 1902 as the Department of Bacteriology — one of the earliest departments of its kind in the nation. We are building on a pioneering history to transform medicine. Join us in advancing medical knowledge for today and tomorrow.
Giving Opportunities
Microbiology and Immunology Annual Fund
The fund will help meet critical needs, including: multidisciplinary research, professional development and travel, equipment maintenance contracts, expert speakers and workshops, or meeting or conference provisions.
Advance cutting-edge research
Michigan Infectious Disease International Scholars
Gifts to this fund provides basic biomedical research training to students who are citizens or residents of disease-endemic nations on par with training afforded to U.S. citizens or permanent resident trainees by the National Institutes of Health.
Support global exchange of knowledge
Microbiology and Immunology Endowed Graduate Education
Contributions help underwrite microbiology and immunology graduate student stipends, lab fees, pilot research funding, and travel to present at annual meetings.
Enhance the graduate student experience
Dr. Marc Collett Endowed Fellowship for Discovery Fund
Dr. Collett (B.S., '73; Ph.D., '77) established this fund to support postdoctoral trainees in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The annual recipient fellow will be conducting novel research that is deemed high-risk/high-reward.
Support early-career research
Kevin J. Thompson Memorial Fund for Sepsis Research
Gifts will fund research that is directed at understanding the shared features (genes) of common bacterial species that infect the bloodstream and trigger life-threatening sepsis.
Accelerate our understanding of sepsis
A. Oveta Fuller Memorial Award Fund
The fund will be used to establish an award for outstanding early career professionals within the U.S. working in an area of public health.
Support early-career professionals
Philanthropy News Dr. Howard Urnovitz (right) and Dr. William Murphy (left)
Philanthropy News
$5M legacy gift awarded to the U-M Department of Microbiology and Immunology for virology research
Howard B. Urnovitz, Ph.D., an alumnus of the University of Michigan (B.S. ’74; M.S., ’75; Ph.D., ’79), has committed $5 million in his estate plan to the University of Michigan Department of Microbiology and Immunology for the research and development of life-changing therapies to advance understanding of how viruses interact with their host’s inherited genes. The gift will establish the Dr. William H. Murphy Professorship and support early-career faculty in their pursuit of transformative science.
Partner With Us

We would be pleased to discuss your interests and goals — and the impact your gift can have. We can connect you with faculty and staff, identify where your help is most needed, and share how giving can provide personal satisfaction as well as financial and tax benefits.
user Melissa Lynch
Director of Development