The aim of the organisation is to promote clinical and scientific interest in Medical Microbiology in Scotland and maintain a close link with other Celtic microbiology associations:

• The Welsh Microbiology Association (WMA)
• The Irish Society of Clinical Microbiologists (ISCM)

The SMA endeavours to hold 2 meetings per year (Spring and Autumn) and maintain its affiliation with the WMA and ISCM through the bi-annual PanCeltic meetings, (hosted this year by Scotland).

The SMA is affiliated with the International Society of Chemotherapy (ISC), Federation of European Societies for Chemotherapy and for Infections (FESCI) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID).