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.

Resource guides

This rights and resources for STEM parents guide aims to connect future, expecting or current parents in STEM careers with information on how to navigate family planning and childcare in academia. Within are links to curated resources about your rights, relevant labor policies, groups that support parents/parenting policies, safety guidance during pregnancy and more.

A new policy issued by the National Institutes of Health requires a data-management and -sharing plan when submitting extramural grant applications. Review the basics of the plan and whether it applies to you in our Quick Guide to the 2023 NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy.

Essay

How the ASBMB shaped my career

How the ASBMB shaped my career

The society helped me on my path from Ph.D. student to science policy professional.

Policy news from ASBMB Today
National Academies report calls for antiracist reforms

Institutions must make significant, structural changes, the authors say.

ASBMB cautions against drastic immigration fee increases

The USCIS proposed increasing its filing fees for employment-based visas by up to 2,050%. The ASBMB said the hike “is likely to harm the retention of highly skilled foreign-born scientific researchers.”

Biden's latest budget gets a mixed reaction from the science community

White House has proposed 2% funding increase for basic research and the NIH, but NSF and others would fare very well.

Society news briefs: March 2023

Find out everything that’s going on lately at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

ASBMB comments on proposed changes to grant review

The society expresses support for measure to reduce bias and calls for pilot study and triage reform.

Advocacy newsletter

Enter your email address to sign up for monthly updates from the ASBMB Public Affairs team.

Webinar

Finding the funds: NIEHS funding and training opportunities

April 12 | 2 p.m. Eastern

April 12 | Discover the many ways you can get funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and learn more about the NIEHS's mission, relevant divisions and training opportunities.

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Past webinars
Finding the funds: NIA funding and training opportunities

Finding the funds: NIA funding and training opportunities

Learn about the National Institute on Aging and understand the scope of research NIA supports and the many opportunities and resources for investigators, especially in their early career, to collaborate and receive funding from NIA. More

Finding the funds: NIGMS funding and training opportunities

Finding the funds: NIGMS funding and training opportunities

Hear about NIGMS' mission, divisions and funding priorities and learn about the many career development fellowships, training and research awards that NIGMS offers. More

Howard K. Schachman Public Service Award
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 award

Get involved

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Advocacy toolkit

Best practices for sharing your stories with the policymakers whose decisions affect your work.

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Capitol Hill Day

A program that brings trainees from across the country to meet with their congressional leaders in Washington, D.C.

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Advocacy Training Program

A three-month externship that provides the skills to create change and to become a leader for those seeking to do the same.