Science Policy & Advocacy 

The FASEB Office of Public Affairs (OPA) works with the representatives of FASEB's member societies to develop and promote policies to advance research and education in the biological and biomedical sciences.

At FASEB, policy development begins with the working scientists representing FASEB member societies and reflects the views of a broad cross-section of the research community. Learn more about our various subcommittees addressing issues important to scientists.

FASEB helps society members to play an active role in advocating for issues relevant to their fields. We provide the advocacy tools and information you need for contacting elected officials and the media. Learn more about our advocacy resources.

Having an Impact

Congressman Tom Cole receives FASEB’s 2016 Public Service Award. He is joined by FASEB President Hudson Freeze, PhD, (right) and Dr. Lawrence Rothblum (left).

Through these efforts, the voice of our member societies is being heard in Washington. FASEB’s initiatives are helping to shape the policies that affect biological and biomedical researchers.

Recent examples include:

• Revised drafts of the 21st Century Cures bill incorporated additional FASEB feedback
• The fiscal year 2016 Omnibus spending bill adopted FASEB’s funding recommendation for the National Institutes of Health ($32 billion) and included language that FASEB championed about travel and conference attendance for federal scientists
• Reports on regulatory burden from the National Academy of Sciences and the National Science Board cited FASEB communications extensively. Bills are pending in the House and Senate based on these documents
• A suggestion in FASEB’s Sustaining Discovery discussion framework on loan repayment was incorporated in a bill from the Senate committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Senator Susan Collins mentioned FASEB’s support of this measure during a Senate hearing.

Learn More