About ASTDA
A professional community advancing STI science, clinical practice, and public health policy since 1948.
Our Mission
To foster scientific knowledge, develop leadership, and champion practice in the field of sexually transmitted infections.
Leadership
Meet the professionals guiding ASTDA’s mission and governance.
Our Objectives
To control, prevent, and ultimately eradicate sexually transmitted infections (STI)
To support research in all aspects of STI including medical, epidemiologic, laboratory, social and behavioral studies
To recognize outstanding contributions in STI control and prevention
To disseminate authoritative information concerning STI
To develop the current and future generations of STI professionals
To promote social justice as an antidote to the structural determinants of STI risk
Our Commitments
- We demand rigorous science adhering to the highest ethical standards.
- We promote a sex-positive sexual health framework.
- We are committed to an STI workforce and ASTDA membership comprised of professionals with a wide range of roles and experiences.
- We value a culture of inclusion, equity, safety, professionalism, and respect.
- We recognize social justice as a core value for addressing STI.
ASTDA Financial Policies
ASTDA offers financial awards to members through two ongoing programs—the Small Project Assistance program, offering grants to fund small projects aligned with ASTDA’s mission, objectives and commitments, and the Summer Fellowship Program, providing financial support for students and post-doctoral trainees to conduct a mentored STI-related research project during the academic summer break. ASTDA also occasionally provides financial support through other initiatives on an ad hoc basis. Note: Funds disbursed by ASTDA for any purpose to individuals or organizations may not be used for facilities and administrative (F&A) fees (i.e. indirect costs).
ASTDA Documents
History
Founded in 1948, ASTDA is an autonomous professional scientific organization dedicated to advancing research, clinical practice, and public health policy in the field of sexually transmitted infections.
Over decades of scientific and societal change, ASTDA has convened experts, published peer-reviewed scholarship, and strengthened collaboration across disciplines to improve prevention and care.
ASTDA also represents the North American Region of the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI), reflecting its longstanding leadership within the global STI community.
While ASTDA informally carried out regional responsibilities for many years, a memorandum of understanding in 2015 formally established ASTDA as the representative organization for the North American Region of IUSTI. This agreement clarified governance roles and affirmed the President of ASTDA as the IUSTI Regional Chair, strengthening coordination between regional and global efforts.
Through this formal partnership, ASTDA continues to serve as a bridge between North American professionals and the international STI community.