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.
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.
Podcast
Listen to the latest episode of the ASBMB's science policy podcast in which Public Affairs Director Benjamin Corb is joined by Andrew Kessler, principal of Slingshot Solutions, to talk about how the COVID-19 response is effecting those in the substance abuse and mental health community.
Find all of the Pipettes & Politics episodes on Soundcloud, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Are you serving on a grant-review panel from afar? We want to know how your experience is going.
If enacted, this legislation would affect some foreign scientists collaborating with U.S. scientists on federally funded research.
U.S. Reps. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., and Judy Chu, D-Calif., sent the NIH and FBI letters asking about the agencies’ investigations into scientists with ties to China.
As the ASBMB’s science policy manager, she advocates for policies that strengthen the scientific workforce and promote an inclusive environment that is supportive of discovery.
The Building Blocks of STEM Act creates and expands STEM education initiatives at the National Science Foundation. Other pending legislation would boost minority-serving institutions.
An NIH group proposes policy changes covering themes of increased transparency, restorative justice and inclusive work environments.
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.
Webinar
Protecting American science — and the international collaborators critical to its success
Join the ASBMB for a webinar on research security, current legal cases involving scientists, and foreign influences on federally funded research.
Lawyer and law professor Frank H. Wu discusses the policy landscape as the National Institutes of Health and the Federal Bureau of Investigation crack down on conflicts of interest and intellectual property theft and lawmakers consider legislation to protect American research. Find out about new reporting and disclosure requirements — and unintended consequences, including racial profiling.
Procuring, administering and negotiating corporate funding for research
This webinar explores how scientists can obtain funding from corporations and other private entities to their support research. More
Opportunities and challenges in securing private funding for your research
This webinar explores how ASBMB members can obtain funding for basic research from private foundations, including disease-oriented and patient-focused philanthropic groups. More