Advocacy
FASEB’s unique structure and approach to public affairs is what gives it a distinct advocacy role and enables the Federation to serve as the leading force in shaping biomedical research policy. By virtue of its size, diversity, and active relationship with working scientists, FASEB is often sought out by legislators, federal agencies, journalists, and other groups developing programs and policies affecting science. Some of our advocacy accomplishments that have and continue to benefit member societies include:
FASEB advocated successfully for the dramatic rise in the budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), during a fiscal period when many other domestic discretionary programs were being reduce significantly.
FASEB influenced regulatory policy on an international level, involving standardization of policies related to:
- Animal care and use in research and education
- Transportation of select agents
- Stem cells and somatic cell nuclear transfer
- Regulation of dual use biotechnology and bio-security policy
- Intellectual property and technology transfer
FASEB helped shape visa policies affecting entry of international scientists to the United States. Together with coalition partners, we raised the profile of this important issue and have seen significant improvement in visa review and processing.
FASEB led a unique coalition effort in support of teaching evolution in science classes, bringing together 17 scientific societies to publish the results of a national survey on the teaching of evolution and pseudoscientific concepts like intelligent design. The generated article was published in a coordinate fashion in a dozen journals and newsletters and has been widely cited.
FASEB worked tirelessly on the issue of animal rights extremism for a number of years and celebrated a major success at the end of 2006 when the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, which specifically protects researchers and laboratories, was signed into law.
FASEB designed and distributes a variety of tools and informational materials that many scientists use in their own advocacy.