Major contributions to the science of microbiology (as a discipline in its modern sense) have spanned the time from the mid-17th century month by month to the present day.
The following is a list of notable microbiologists who have made significant contributions to the study of microorganisms.
Many of those listed have received a Nobel Prize for their contributions to the field of microbiology.
The others are typically considered historical figures whose work in microbiology had a notable impact in the field.
Those microbiologists who currently work in the field have been excluded unless they have received recognition beyond that of being on the faculty in a college or university.