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ASBMB committees

The next round of committee applications will open in May.

The ASBMB provides multiple opportunities for members to get involved through service on our committees. Committee members are appointed by the ASBMB Council at the recommendation of the individual committee. Members are appointed to a three-year term, which is renewable one time and typically runs from July 1 to June 30. The ASBMB encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as early-career scientists, in the governance of the society to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion. Additionally, the committee strives for institutional, geographic and career stage diversity.

Member eligibility

Committee membership is open to the following ASBMB membership categories: regular, industry, early-career, graduate student, affiliate and emeritus. Committee members are expected to participate and be engaged in committee activities and have a genuine interest in the committee’s mission.

ASBMB committee vacancies

The following committees have one or more openings. Learn about the committees and apply below:

ASBMB Today editorial advisory board

ASBMB Today editorial advisory board members help to shape the magazine by supplying story ideas related to current trends and interesting controversies in the field, identifying scientists who are doing cutting-edge research in novel ways, recommending potential contributors, writing essays and articles, and, on occasion, providing scientific expertise. Board members serve two-year, renewable terms. They are asked to participate in conference calls two or three times a year, to regularly suggest newsworthy topics to be considered for coverage, and to write (or successfully commission) at least two ASBMB Today articles each year. The board uses email and Zoom most often to stay in touch.

Maximizing Access Committee

The Maximizing Access Committee's mission is to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are a priority throughout the society to advance life sciences research and education. The MAC strives to increase the presence, visibility, access and support of historically excluded and marginalized groups by advocating for policies and developing resources to promote more diverse, equitable and inclusive practices.

Expectations of MAC members:

  • Attend monthly virtual meetings of the full committee.
  • Serve on at least one task force (to be decided after joining the committee). Task forces oversee much of the logistics of the committee’s various initiatives and may evolve depending on committee priorities. Task forces also have monthly virtual meetings. Members may rotate through task forces on a yearly basis, if desired.
  • Attend an in-person annual committee retreat.
  • Review applications of the ASBMB Ruth Kirschstein Diversity in Science Award.

Public Affairs Advisory Committee

The Public Affairs Advisory Committee is looking for committee members who are passionate about advocating for science and for the broader scientific community. Serving on the PAAC requires meeting virtually once or twice a month in addition to one in-person committee meeting and attending the annual ASBMB Capitol Hill day that takes place every May. For further questions, please reach us at publicaffairs@asbmb.org.

Science Outreach and Communication Committee

The Science Outreach and Communication Committee develops science communication training and facilitates outreach activities for the society. The committee provides resources and professional development opportunities for ASBMB members to get involved with informal education in their communities.

Expectations of committee members:

  • Attend monthly virtual meetings of the full committee.
  • Serve on a subcommittee (to be decided after attending an initial full committee meeting). Subcommittees may evolve as new priorities are identified, but broadly speaking, one subcommittee focuses on the committee’s science outreach aims while another subcommittee focuses on the committee’s science communication aims. Each subcommittee also has monthly virtual meetings. Subcommittee appointments may rotate yearly, if desired.
  • Attend an in-person annual committee retreat.
  • Take the Art of Science Communication course as a participant and facilitate the course once per year.
  • Review applications for the annual science communication and outreach grant.

Women in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Committee

The Women in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Committee advocates for women in biochemistry and molecular biology both in academia and in industry by increasing the participation, visibility and status of women within the scientific community.

Expectations of committee members: