The idea of creating the International Research Group on Pathogenic Actinomycetes (GIIAP) has its roots in the First Nocardia International Conference, which took place at the Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela (1974).

This conference was organized by Dr. José A. Serrano (Venezuela), Dr. George Brownell (USA) and Dr. Michael Goodfellow (UK). This initial meeting proposed the organization of various projects to be carried out through cooperation among the above mentioned Doctors' laboratories.

The First International Course on Pathogenic Actinomycetes was offered in 1980, its guest speakers were Dr. Blaine Beaman (USA), Dr. T.Ioneda (Brazil).

The course was taught every two years (1982 to 1990) in Mérida, Venezuela. Throughout these years Dr. María A. Mejía (Venezuela), Dr. AH. Sandoval (México), Dr. Patrick Boiron (France), Dr. Oliverio Welsh (México), Dr. Michael Goodfellow and Martin Embley (UK), participated as guest speakers. The GIIAP was founded in Mérida in 1990, at that time Dr. A.H.Sandoval was appointed president. Thus, Dr. Sandoval assumed responsibility of the group as well to organize future courses in México, beginning in 1992. The GIIAP headquarters was transferred to Mérida in 2000 and Dr. José A. Serrano is the current president.