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
- 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.
Biden has promised “disciplined, trustworthy leadership grounded in science”; runoffs will determine the balance of power in Congress.
Trump administration seeks to limit duration of stay and impose other restrictions on foreign scientists and students
Young, nonbinary and bisexual employees were most likely to experience harassment.
With data collection slowed and grant applications way up, the pandemic is disrupting the complex, slow-moving NIH funding system. Federal officials and university grant administrators are working to help researchers keep things moving.
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.
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.
Toward a Sustainable Biomedical Research Enterprise
Recommendations for improving the sustainability of the research enterprise.
Virtual event
The pandemic's impact on non-COVID research
Non-COVID-19 research has taken a back seat during the pandemic as scientists everywhere scramble to better understand the Sars-CoV-2 virus and develop therapies and vaccines. But it remains important for the scientific community to strongly advocate for sustained investment into non-COVID research. Participants shared their experiences and perspectives to help inform our policy solutions to sustain non-COVID-19 research.
Women in STEM and gendered challenges
Domestic and emotional labor disparities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting women scientists’ productivity, which is likely to have long-term effects on their careers. More
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