ASBMB Council roundup: March 2026

At its spring meeting in Oxon Hill, Maryland, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Council discussed and gave direction on strategy across several program areas, and approved items related to finance and awards. Council also heard updates on advocacy efforts and the annual meeting. Underlying all this work is the society’s strategic plan.

Annual meeting: current success and future planning

Staff shared early data from the 2026 ASBMB Annual Meeting, which continues a strong showing considering broader funding pressures across the research community. Abstracts were down just a little over 10% over 2025, which itself had a substantial increase over 2024. As registration tracks closely with abstracts, we expect a similar modest reduction, and early registration remained strong with more than 2,300 participants. Overall, ASBMB continues to be excited about the growing strength of the scientific program and attendance, along with the outstanding additional programming in education, professional development and public affairs.

Council also provided input on future meeting locations, as the location of conferences had important financial considerations for any organization. ASBMB expects to hold its 2028 annual meeting in New Orleans, and staff will begin a venue search for 2029 through 2031 while balancing considerations such as cost, accessibility and the appeal of host cities.

Financial stewardship

Treasurer Russell DeBose–Boyd and staff reviewed the society’s financial performance and outlook. ASBMB ended 2025 with an operating deficit of just under $4 million, a significant improvement relative to a budgeted loss of $4.9 million. While these numbers reflect investments in long-standing programs, Council continues to implement its approved financial framework, which does need to address financial stability and revenue growth. Thus, innovation in journals and meetings, along with cost containment and program alignment, are priorities in 2026.

Council also approved updated investment policy statements to modernize and consolidate previously separate documents into one. These documents guide how ASBMB manages its reserve funds as part of the Council’s stewardship and fiduciary oversight. The revisions maintain existing policies and guidelines governing ASBMB’s investments.

Recognizing achievements in lipid research

Council discussed funding of ASBMB awards following the end of financial support from Avanti Lipids for the senior ASBMB award in lipids, formerly the Avanti Award in Lipids.

Council approved a change to the structure of ASBMB’s two lipid-focused research awards. Beginning in 2027, the Walter A. Shaw Young Investigator Award in Lipid Research and the senior ASBMB Award in Lipids would be awarded on alternating years. The change aligns the awards with similar structures used for other society honors. Council also discussed options for the future name of the senior lipid award following the end of historic financial support.

Advocacy and public affairs

Council received an update on ASBMB’s advocacy work, including efforts related to federal appropriations and engagement with policymakers on issues affecting basic science funding and training programs. Staff also described broader advocacy initiatives, including action alerts for members, coalition partnerships and broader communications campaigns. Council discussed the evolving policy environment and the importance of maintaining a strong voice for the molecular life sciences community.

Supporting member professional development

Council reviewed important progress from a working group charged with developing a comprehensive strategy for ASBMB’s professional development activity. The draft strategy focuses ASBMB’s efforts on improving career wayfinding and readiness at key early-career transitions, as well as networking, skill-building and ways to intentionally integrate development into society programming. Council members supported the framework. With this approval, the working group will develop a set of initial activities for Council consideration and potential approval later this year.

Journals and publishing strategy

Council met with the editors-in-chief of ASBMB’s journals to hear updates on editorial initiatives and journal performance. Council also approved a publishing strategy action plan that focuses ASBMB strategy in publishing on three priorities guided by ASBMB’s strategic plan: growing impactful content, strengthening engagement with authors and readers and supporting editorial boards as journal needs evolve.

Looking ahead

Council adjourned after a full day of discussion on the society’s strategy, finances and programs. The next Council meeting is planned for August 2026.