ASBMB Council roundup: December 2025

At its winter meeting in Rockville, Maryland, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Council reviewed the society’s operating budget, discussed publishing and meeting strategy and approved several committees’ next steps for implementing ASBMB’s strategic plan. Council also received updates on advocacy activity and professional development initiatives.

Financial planning and strategic investments

Council reviewed the 2025 operating forecast and approved the society’s 2026 operating budget, which was first reviewed by ASBMB’s Finance Committee. The budget included $10.9 million in expenses and $6.3 million in revenue, resulting in a planned operating deficit of $4.6 million. This level falls within the financial framework previously approved by the council, which caps annual operating deficits at $5 million while simultaneously investing through a Strategic Investment Fund, or SIF, which supports activities that advance the society’s strategic priorities or create opportunities for future growth. Council approved funding for several initiatives through the SIF, including projects related to publishing, membership and development strategy, partnership exploration and technology improvements.

Council discussion emphasized the importance of balancing near-term investments with long-term financial sustainability. Discussions focused on key drivers of revenue, including publications, membership and meetings, as well as major expense areas such as staffing, technology and the annual meeting.

In addition, Council approved a new spending policy and proposal template to guide future use of the Strategic Investment Fund.

Moving the strategic plan forward

Council reviewed implementation plans, called action plans, drafted by three ASBMB committees. These plans are how each committee sees their group helping to implement the ASBMB strategic plan, both through existing programming and new activities. The action plan from the Membership Committee aims at strengthening recruitment, engagement and retention by bolstering ASBMB’s member value. The plan from ASBMB’s Public Affairs Advisory Committee focused on advancing evidence-based science policy and equipping ASBMB members with tools to engage in advocacy. The Science Outreach and Communications Committee’s action plan focused on expanding public engagement with biochemistry and molecular biology and highlighting the societal impact of the field.

Publishing strong science

Council received an update on the evolving publishing landscape and recent activity across ASBMB’s family of journals. Leaders discussed increasing competition among journals, changing author expectations and the importance of maintaining a strong pipeline of submissions to support both scientific impact and financial sustainability.

Council also reviewed work underway by a publishing working group charged with identifying opportunities to strengthen journal operations.

Bringing the community together at ASBMB 2026 and beyond

Staff shared updates on planning for upcoming annual meetings and the society’s broader meetings portfolio. Council discussed how small conferences and webinars can contribute to scientific engagement while also serving as pathways for attracting new members.

For the 2026 annual meeting, planned improvements include new daily plenary sessions organized around cross-disciplinary themes, expanded workshops and shared interest groups and adjustments to event scheduling to improve attendee experience.
Council also discussed possible locations for the 2028 annual meeting. After considering factors such as accessibility, cost and attendee appeal, the council identified New Orleans as the preferred site.

Staying engaged in advocacy

Council received an update on recent advocacy efforts in Washington, including a Hill Day, during which council members met with policymakers to discuss the importance of federal investment in basic science.

Key advocacy priorities included sustaining funding for biomedical research, supporting training programs for the next generation of scientists and ensuring that any changes to federal research funding structures are implemented with appropriate planning and transition support.

Council also approved an action plan from the Public Affairs Advisory Committee.

Supporting early-career scientists

Council received an update from the Professional Development Working Group, which is developing a strategy to strengthen ASBMB’s professional development activities.

Early discussions have focused on graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and early-career scientists, who often face uneven access to career guidance and professional development resources.

Council expressed support for prioritizing these early career stages as the group continues to develop its recommendations.

Looking ahead

Council concluded the two-day meeting after discussions spanning the society’s finances, meetings, publications and programs. The next council meeting would take place in March 2026.