涩里番

On December 4, ten 涩里番 councilors met with their elected officials to advocate for basic science funding, champion the progress and potential of biochemistry and molecular biology research and emphasize the importance of training the next generation of scientists. This Capitol Hill Day highlighted that policymakers need to hear directly from the research community.

“Transformative advances in biochemistry and molecular biology depend on a strong partnership: discovery and dedication from the scientific community and strong federal support for scientific innovation,” ASBMB CEO Mona Miller said. “To serve the American people, we must keep that momentum going and Capitol Hill Days are one of the most powerful ways we communicate that message.”

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ASBMB leaders Ali Shilatifard, ASBMB Director of Public Affairs Sarina Neote, ASBMB CEO Mona Miller, Karina Miller, Catherine Drennan, Martha Cyert, Vahe Bandarian, Ann West, Suzanne Barbour, Joan Conaway and Ed Eisenstein gather for a group photo on Dec. 4, 2025, prior to meeting with congressional offices on Capitol Hill.

Making the case for basic science research

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ASBMB leaders Suzanne Barbour, Catherine Drennan, Joan Conaway, Kayunta Johnson–Winters and Ali Shilatifard pose for a photo in front of the U.S. Capitol after wrapping up morning meetings with senators’ offices on Dec. 4, 2025.

During their meetings, councilors outlined ASBMB’s key policy asks for the year, emphasizing the need to sustain America’s global leadership in science. Incoming ASBMB President Ed Eisenstein noted the significance of these efforts, saying,

“I’m excited to be here with ASBMB to meet with our elected representatives, on behalf of our 11,000 members, about the importance of what they do and about the value of basic research to the scientific enterprise, our national prominence and economic prosperity,” Eisenstein said. “We’ve had a very receptive audience. We heard directly that members on both sides of the aisle continue to support research, and, with sustained and vocal advocacy, I am hopeful that will translate into continued robust and predictable science funding.”

Councilors called on Congress to maintain U.S. competitiveness in science and research by supporting the bipartisan funding levels for the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee: $48.7 billion for NIH and $9 billion for NSF. They stressed that these investments are essential for preserving and strengthening the nation’s basic research enterprise and for training the next generation of scientists.

Councilors also raised concerns about proposed changes to NIH’s funding structure for research project grants. The president’s budget request introduced a for roughly half of NIH’s grants without providing any additional funding to support the transition. They urged policymakers to ensure that any changes to NIH’s grant structure are paired with a clear transition plan and the necessary funds to avoid unintended harm to the research community.

Why councilors advocate

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ASBMB leaders Philip Cole, Ali Shilatifard and Catherine Drennan stand in front of the office of U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, D-Ill., in the Rayburn House Office Building on Dec. 4, 2025.

Councilors participated in Hill Day because they see advocacy as a central part of their responsibility to the BMB community. As scientists and leaders, they understand that federal decisions have immediate and long-term effects on their labs, trainees and the broader research ecosystem.

“Hill Day is a critical opportunity to talk face to face with our legislators and educate each other about the work we do. Importantly, ASBMB uses these meetings to highlight how critical it is to support fundamental research,” Martha Cyert, ASBMB councilor, said.

Many spoke about their commitment to safeguarding the stability of research infrastructure and ensuring that young scientists enter a well-supported and sustainable workforce.

“As scientists, it is essential that we convey to our lawmakers the importance of funding fundamental research. It is vital to the U.S. bioeconomy, especially its workforce, and to maintain global research and development competitiveness,” Ann West, ASBMB councilor, said.

Advocacy beyond the Hill

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ASBMB leaders Vahe Bandarian and Ann West pose on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on the evening of Dec. 4, 2025, after a day of meetings with staffers and congressional officers. West is holding a folder that is an example of what ASBMB’s Hill Day team left behind for lawmakers after their meetings, which includes handouts on the value of basic scientific funding.

Councilors emphasized that effective advocacy does not happen only during Hill Day. Instead, they encouraged ASBMB members to stay engaged throughout the year by connecting with lawmakers in their home districts, responding to action alerts, participating in ASBMB advocacy programs and sharing stories about the impact of scientific research with local communities.

“As constituents, ASBMB members can reach out to their elected officials in Congress to stress the importance of not just maintaining federal funding for research but putting the U.S. on a path of growth and sustainability far into the future,” West said.

ASBMB members can learn more and participate in ongoing efforts by visiting the ASBMB Action Center, which provides updates on policy issues, opportunities to contact elected officials and tools that make it easier for scientists to speak up about the importance of federal investments in research and training.

“Our advocacy is strongest when our members stay involved throughout the year,” Miller said. “Every action helps ensure policymakers hear and understand the value of basic research.”