Advocacy at #DiscoverBMB

The Public Affairs Advisory Committee and public affairs department of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology have been busy advocating on behalf of ASBMB members in 2022 (read about our work), and we will continue to push many of these policy efforts in 2023. Our advocacy efforts are all focused on four issue areas:

1. Addressing the rising cost of conducting science.
2. Supporting the next generation of scientists.
3. Increasing diversity, equity, inclusivity and accessibility in the research enterprise.
4. Supporting international collaboration and international researchers.

One of our priorities for 2023 is to communicate clearly the importance of basic scientific research to policymakers; without basic research, the innovation pipeline in science would collapse. But policymakers don’t hear enough from scientists and science organizations about the importance of basic research. We’re hoping you, as members of the ASBMB, can help us change that.

Not sure how to be an advocate for science? At Discover BMB 2023, we’ll help with that. Here’s what we’re planning.

Advocate for basic scientific research

Come to the Advocacy Town Hall and learn how the ASBMB public affairs department and members of the Public Affairs Advisory Committee advocate for ASBMB members to policymakers at federal agencies and on Capitol Hill. During the second half of this event, committee members and staff will help you craft an email detailing the importance of basic scientific research to send to your representatives in the House and Senate.

How to engage in science advocacy

Not a letter writer? Many other avenues exist to advocate for sound science policy. Come learn what you can do at an ASBMB panel discussion with Public Affairs Advisory Committee members, delegates from our 2022 Advocacy Training Program, and science and technology fellows. We’ll talk about how you can spend a lot or a little time advocating for the scientific community, and you’ll get a chance to learn about how the ASBMB advocates for you. We welcome your questions and feedback.