Life science research produces innumerable and invaluable benefits for humanity. We owe a debt of gratitude to the researchers whose hard work and creativity have yielded therapies and technologies that have improved lives and fueled economies.
The ASBMB works to ensure that researchers’ voices are heard in Congress and at federal funding agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Throughout the year, the ASBMB ensures that our members engage with policymakers to advocate for biomedical science funding.
The ASBMB's advocacy activities are supported by the Public Affairs Advisory Committee.
The ASBMB's policy positions
- Provide a predictable and sustainable funding environment for biomedical research.
- Enact policies that both strengthen and diversify the STEM workforce.
- Support international scientific collaboration and international scientists.
Bills we're tracking
- S.0000 — Draft Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related agencies subcommittee appropriations bill
- H.R.7454 — Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment Act of 2022
- S.4018 — HBCU Research, Innovation, Security, and Excellence Act
- H.R.5654 — Higher Education Mental Health Act of 2021
Blotter
ASBMB supports White House move toward open access
In a statement, the society urged the Office of Science and Technology Policy to ensure that already-strapped scientists won’t face additional financial burdens.
The ASBMB’s recent advocacy activities focus on sustained funding for curiosity-driven science, safe and equitable work environments, and support for next-generation researchers.
In a letter to the National Academy of Medicine, the society emphasizes the importance of harnessing interdisciplinarity, building public trust, being nimble, eliminating bias and modernizing workforce development.
Paying for summer and winter housing can shape a student’s future.
Society recommends that the agency reward underresourced institutions, among other guidance.
The ASBMB advocated for provisions within that support the STEM workforce and R&D.
Advocacy newsletter
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Webinar
Inside look: Becoming an early-career reviewer at the NIH
This webinar features the ins and outs of the Early Career Reviewer Program at the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Scientific Review, which gives emerging investigators an inside look at the scientific peer-review process. Elyse Schauwecker, a scientific review officer at CSR, talks about the benefits of participating, eligibility, the application process and recent changes.
Postdoc town hall: Policy changes for improving work–life balance
Sept. 21 | Join us for a discussion for postdocs to reflect on their work–life balance and develop suggestions for improving related policies across multiple levels, including individual labs, institutions and federal agencies. More
NSF early-career funding
Sept. 22 | Learn the ins and outs of applying for grants at NSF and find out about the NSF's Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences programs. More
Kizzmekia Corbett
Kizzmekia Corbett is the 2021 recipient of the ASBMB Howard K. Schachman Public Service Award for her instrumental role in developing an mRNA-based vaccine utilized by Moderna against COVID-19, as well as her time in underserved communities as an advocate of STEM education and vaccine awareness.
Learn more about the awardGet involved
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