ASCB Leads in a Wide Range of Life Science Policy Issues

ASCB has a strong reputation as a leader in life science policy and advocacy and as a “go-to” group for state, national, and international policymakers in need of critical information or advice on life science policy issues.

ASCB is a strong voice on important biomedical research issues

  • Supports sustainable and dependable NIH and NSF funding
  • Supports federally funded human embryonic stem cell research
  • Opposes efforts to prohibit critical research using fetal tissue
  • Opposes criminalization of somatic cell nuclear transfer (scnt) research
  • Advocates public access to federally funded research results
  • Defends teaching evolution in public science classes
  • Supports changes to training of the next generation of biomedical research scientists

The ASCB shares its views through:

  • Testimony before Congressional committees
  • Letters to Members of Congress
  • Private meetings between ASCB members and staff and members of Congress
  • Participation in NIH Institute Advisory Committees
  • Replies to NIH Requests for Information notices
  • Publication of ASCB Position Papers and White Papers on important issues

White Papers and Position Papers

One way ASCB educates government officials is through publication of Position Papers outlining ASCB’s position on critical science-related issues. ASCB Public Policy Committee Taskforces also produce White papers on specific topics of interest to the cell biology community.

ASCB Letters and Official Policy Comments

The ASCB also sends official letters in response to official requests for comment from agencies like the NIH and the NSF and to policymakers in Congress and federal agencies.

To read recent letters and policy comments by the ASCB, go to Letters and Official Policy Comments.

ASCB’s Science Policy Advocacy Toolbox

Science policy advocacy is an important part of being a scientist. Your research could make important contributions to the discovery of cures and treatments for debilitating diseases. But you need to share with your elected officials and the public the progress you are making in your research. You have an interesting story to tell and you owe it to those who are funding your research.

Science advocacy takes as much time as you have to give.

  • If you only have a few minutes, make a phone call, send a tweet, or post on Facebook
  • If you have an extra hour, write a letter, author an Op-Ed, or attend a local meeting
  • If you can devote a full day, give a tour of your lab, visit a local official’s office, or travel to Washington, DC
  • If you can devote more time, start a local science advocacy group

ASCB can help you with any of these activities. We have a series of “Be an Advocate for Science” how-to papers you can use, webinars on how to be an advocate, and Kevin Wilson, ASCB’s Public Policy Director, is always willing to answer questions and provide advice.

For questions or help about science policy advocacy, contact ASCB’s Director of Public Policy and Media Relations at kwilson@ascb.org