ASBMB expresses supreme disappointment in stem cell ruling
Sept. 2, 2010 -- The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology released a statement expressing its supreme disappointment with the decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to grant a preliminary injunction that will effectively put a halt to research on human embryonic stem cells in this country. More...
Stem Cell Ruling “a setback” for biomedical research, says ASBMB President
Bethesda, MD – On Aug. 24, Suzanne Pfeffer, President of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, expressed her extreme disappointment with the District of Columbia Federal District Court’s injunction preventing federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research.
"Judge Lamberth’s decision is a huge setback to biomedical research. As researchers begin to explore the full potential of embryonic stem cells, this injunction threatens scientific discovery vital to the search for new understanding and therapies for many diseases. ASBMB supports responsible human embryonic stem cell research that will contribute to the discovery of new treatments for disease."
Find out more about the court’s ruling on ASBMB’s Policy Blotter.
ASBMB writes to Congress about 2011 NIH Budget
On May 12, ASBMB wrote members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees in support of a robust budget increase for the NIH. Highlighting the importance of NIH funding for advancing human health and supporting local economies, ASBMB's letter supports a $37 billion budget for the NIH in 2011. Read the letter to learn more.
Now you can help emphasize this important message! Call, write or visit your member of Congress using ASBMB's Congressional visits guide. It has all the tools you need to make your voice heard.
Have questions? Don't hesistate to contact Kyle Brown (kmbrown@asbmb.org) or Pete Farnham (pfarnham@asbmb.org).
Representing you: ASBMB Members on Capitol Hill
On April 13 and 14, members of ASBMB's Public Affairs Advisory Committee visited with nearly 30 members of Congress and their staff. In each meeting, ASBMB members asked their representatives and senators to sustaing the current biomedical research capacity by funding the NIH at $37 billion in 2011. Read more about the meetings on the ASBMB Policy Blotter and in May's issue of ASBMB Today.
ASBMB Policy Blotter
ASBMB has a new blog dedicated to the ins and outs of science policy. The society's Science Policy Fellow, Kyle Brown writes weekly updates on ASBMB's policy initiatives, happenings on the hill and poses policy questions for ASBMB members to weigh in on. Join the conversation!
ASBMB Students and Postdocs Visit Capitol Hill
This fall, students and postdocs from around the country joined Public Affairs Advisory Committee members for ASBMB's student/postdoc Hill day. Students and postdocs met with congressmen, senators and staff in 26 different offices including 10 whose congressman or senator is a part of the Labor-HHS appropriations subcommittee, the body who oversees the yearly NIH appropriation.
You can read more details about the visits as well as the student and postdoc participants in the November edition of ASBMB Today.
About the Public Affairs Office
ASBMB has maintained an active Public Affairs program since 1985. The Society's Public Affairs and advocacy efforts are overseen by the Public Affairs Advisory Committee (PAAC), which monitors and responds to all matters political, social, and philosophical relating to the Government's role in the practice of modern science.
The PAAC oversees the Society's Public Affairs Office and sets the agenda for activities, works to publicize the Society's views, and sponsors relevant events.
Regular Activities
The Society's current Public Affairs Activities include:
We have also developed materials for use in advocacy efforts and encourage you to check out our Advocacy Resources.
If you are interested in getting involved, join the LAN and receive our monthly Public Affairs e-newsletter, the ASBMB Advocate, as well as occasional requests to contact your legislators about important research issues. We are always interested in feedback, please contact the Society's Public Affairs Director, Peter Farnham, with any questions or concerns.
ASBMB Strategic Plan for Public Affairs. The Executive Committee of the ASBMB Public Affairs Advisory Committee organized a public affairs retreat in October 2008 to consider policies, programs and plans for the society in public affairs for the next five years. The resulting document, “A Strategic Plan for ASBMB Public Affairs, 2009 – 2014,” can be found here. The Committee of course encourages comments on the plan, as well as your own personal involvement in the activities discussed therein.
Contact Information
ASBMB Public Affairs Office
Peter Farnham, CAE
Director of Public Affairs
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814-3996 USA