Life science research produces innumerable and invaluable benefits for humanity. We owe a debt of gratitude to the researchers whose curiosity and creativity have yielded therapies and technologies that have improved lives and fueled economies.
The ASBMB works to ensure that researchers’ voices are heard. Throughout the year, the ASBMB provides ways for its members to engage with Congress to ensure that their funding and policy needs are met.
The ASBMB's advocacy activities are supported by the Public Affairs Advisory Committee.
The ASBMB's policy positions
- Protect American innovators by promoting an environment supportive of discovery.
- Enact policies that strengthen the American scientific workforce.
- Provide a predictable and sustainable funding environment for biomedical research.
Podcast
Listen to the latest episode of the ASBMB's science policy podcast with Public Affairs Director Benjamin Corb.
Find all of the Pipettes & Politics episodes on Soundcloud, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Many funding agencies have released guidance and resources relating to the impact of COVID-19 on research.
Remote study sections
The coronavirus pandemic has forced federal agencies to move study sections to virtual settings, allowing reviews to continue while also allowing reviewers to follow federal guidance restricting travel and personal interactions.
In an effort to measure and understand the impact that remote peer review might have on science (positive or negative) the ASBMB encourages you to take a moment and share your thoughts and experiences regarding online study sections.
The University of North Texas has said only that the decision followed briefings by federal and local law enforcement.
Society and other nonprofits raise concerns about racial profiling by federal investigators and prosecutors’ attempts to criminalize administrative errors.
One bill would provide $26 billion in emergency funding for agencies that support research; another would protect against foreign influence in research.
Five months into a pandemic with arguably the world’s worst response, the United States can no longer take the easy way out and blame only politics for our downfall. We’re to blame, too.
Meanwhile, feds charge Ohio State researcher with fraud and drop theft charges against Emory professor.
Harvard and MIT sue government to stop rule change targeting F-1 and M-1 visa holders at or heading to institutions offering only online courses this fall because of COVID-19.
Get involved
Advocacy toolkit
Best practices for sharing your stories with the policymakers whose decisions affect your work.
Capitol Hill Day
A program that brings trainees from across the country to meet with their congressional leaders in Washington, D.C.
Advocacy Training Program
A six-month externship that provides the skills to create change and to become a leader for those seeking to do the same.
Grassroots Advocacy Network
Sign up for alerts about the bills we're tracking and how you can help.
Advocacy in action
Position statements
The ASBMB's position on various issues relating to the scientific community.
Letters
The ASBMB engages in correspondence with members of Congress, federal agencies and various other entities.
Congressional testimony
Written testimony that representatives of the ASBMB have given at Congressional hearings.
Unlimited Potential Vanishing Opportunity
A report on the difficulties scientists face in securing federal funds for research.
Virtual event
Women in STEM and gendered challenges
Sept. 29 | 2–3 p.m. EDT
Women in STEM face myriad challenges that can prevent them from succeeding in academic research careers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, women have been disproportionately burdened with childcare, elder caregiving and other domestic responsibilities. Early reports indicate that domestic and emotional labor disparities are affecting women scientists’ productivity, which is likely to have long-term effects on their careers.
Join Suzanne Barbour, dean of the University of North Carolina Graduate School, and Martha Cyert of Stanford University as they talk about policy changes that could ensure gender equity in the sciences.
International collaboration, immigration and the STEM workforce
The U.S. scientific enterprise relies on attracting talent from and collaborating with leading research institutions and universities all over the world. More
The cost of the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the scientific community by halting research and concentrating scientific resources on endeavors to better understand the SARS-CoV-2 virus. More