The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) will convene the 2nd annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event, which will be held throughout the month of August 2010.
Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits is an opportunity for scientists, science educators, research facility managers, and graduate students to meet with their members of Congress to inform them about scientific research and research facilities in their congressional district. Representatives and Senators spend time in their congressional districts and home states each August, providing an excellent window of opportunity for scientists to share first-hand the value of their research with those who shape the nation's science policy.
"Science is one of the keys to economic progress in our country, and investment in scientific research has the power to stimulate the economy as well as sustain it in the long term," said AIBS Executive Director Dr. Richard O'Grady.
"In this era of climate change, biodiversity loss, threats to food supply and public health, the need for biological science in support of public policy decision-making has never been greater," said AIBS Director of Public Policy Dr. Robert Gropp. After years of budget cuts and the current economic crisis, research laboratories, field stations, and natural history museums are suffering. The Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event will allow participating scientists and research facilities to meet with their members of Congress at a research facility, or in their congressional district office, to show them first-hand the importance of sustained federal investments in biological science research and education.
Participants will be prepared for their congressional meeting(s) by an interactive online training session that will help them create and refine their message. The AIBS Public Policy Office will also provide participating scientists with tips and guidance for scheduling meetings.
Participation is free, but registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register, visit http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/congressional_district_visits.html
The Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits is made possible by Event Sponsors Botanical Society of America, Genetics Society of America, Long Term Ecological Research Network, Society of Systematic Biologists, and University of Michigan Biological Station, and Event Supporter Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve --Stanford University.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society. Founded in 1947 as a part of the National Academy of Sciences, AIBS became an independent, member-governed organization in the 1950s. Today, with headquarters in Washington, DC, and a staff of approximately 50, AIBS is sustained by a robust membership of individual biologists and nearly 200 professional societies and scientific organizations; the combined individual membership of the latter exceeds 250,000. AIBS advances its mission through coalition activities in research, education, and public policy; publishing the peer-reviewed journal BioScience and the education website ActionBioscience.org; providing scientific peer review and advisory services to government agencies and other clients; convening meetings; and managing scientific programs.