A strategic plan for ASBMB

On a wide-open road, one might not need a GPS. A general direction — perhaps west — is enough to set course. But when route choices become more complex, twist or even abruptly close, directions are essential. This spring, ASBMB released a forward-looking strategic plan to serve as our GPS for the society’s next 3-5 years. The long-term destination? A vibrant future serving the molecular life sciences.

Joan Conaway

I want to take this moment to share with you what the strategic plan means for the organization and initial steps ASBMB will take in the coming years to bring it to fruition. ASBMB faces very different terrain than past decades, and significant external changes face all of science. The plan is an essential road map for ASBMB to serve evolving organizational and member needs in the next five years and sets key priorities in these times. These include affirming our role in facilitating scientific excellence, sustaining our advocacy, inspiring and supporting our community and committing to efficiency and financial sustainability so we can serve the field and society for the long-term.

First, the new plan updates ASBMB’s mission to anchor us in our larger purpose: discovery and community. Thus, it defines ASBMB’s mission to build and empower a broad community of molecular life scientists to advance discovery.

Second, we set a bold vision: the society will catalyze the infinite potential of molecular life science. Simply but profoundly,the scientific knowledge we develop today fuels tomorrow’s biotechnological and medical breakthroughs, and we affirmed that truth through our vision, as well as a core set of values that will guide all our work.

Third, we set five goals with tangible objectives, focused on what is possible in a 3–5-year period. There are many ways ASBMB could serve our community, and while we can do many things, we cannot do everything nor can we do it all at once. ASBMB must be intentional about what it undertakes, how efficiently it does it and how fast. Also, as I shared in an article with ASBMB treasurer Russell DeBose–Boyd, while ASBMB has substantial reserves, it has a growing annual deficit that we must address.

Reflecting ASBMB’s role as a member society, the strategic planning process began with extensive volunteer and member input. We heard that members rely on ASBMB to drive scientific excellence, enable communication with external stakeholders and facilitate career development, in part through networking and mentorship.

Looking ahead, Council will be asking ASBMB committees to develop implementation recommendations. Committees will evaluate how existing programs can be adapted to align with the plan and identify potential capacity by assessing program priorities. It is important to note that this plan is not intended to document every activity or initiative of ASBMB.

Council is as confident as ever about ASBMB's future and the society’s role to advance molecular bioscience discoveries. ASBMB is in the process of planning for adaptation, innovation and growth that will ensure a strong foundation for ASBMB’s second full century of impact. In the coming weeks and months, ASBMB will ask members to engage in propelling our science and community in myriad ways. I hope that when opportunity comes knocking for you with ASBMB — whether it be volunteering, engaging in advocacy efforts, publishing your research or attending meetings — you’ll answer the door and help ASBMB catalyze the infinite potential of molecular life science.