4th Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is pleased to announce an opportunity for scientists to inform the nation's science policy. This August, AIBS will convene the 4th Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event.

This nationwide event enables scientists to meet with their members of Congress in their own district rather than in Washington, DC, and allows elected officials to learn first-hand about the science and research facilities in their district. This initiative is an opportunity to show elected officials how science is conducted and to showcase the people, equipment and facilities that are required to support and conduct scientific research.

The 4th Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event will be held throughout the month of August 2012.

Each August, Representatives and Senators spend time in their Congressional districts and home states. This event is an opportunity for scientists and representatives of research facilities to meet with their member of Congress to demonstrate how science is conducted and why a sustained investment in research and education programs must be a national priority. Participating scientists will either meet with their elected officials at a district office or may invite them to visit their research facility.

Participants will be prepared for their congressional meetings by AIBS Public Policy Office staff. Training for this event will be conducted through an interactive webinar program. In addition, participants will receive information about federal appropriations for biological and environmental research, tips for conducting a successful meeting with an elected official, and resources to craft and communicate an effective message. The AIBS Public Policy Office will provide participating scientists with guidance and some assistance with scheduling meetings.

How to Participate

Registration for the 2012 event will open in May.

Help to Support This Important Initiative

At this time, AIBS is seeking organizational Sponsors and Supporters to help ensure the success of this event and to defray the costs of the training program and the preparation of materials. For a $500 contribution an organization will be listed as an event Sponsor on all promotional materials. For a $250 contribution an organization will be listed as an event Supporter. Please help advance biology by becoming a Sponsor of the 4th Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event.

For additional information or to Sponsor this important initiative, please contact AIBS Director of Public Policy Dr. Robert Gropp at rgropp@aibs.org or 202-628-1500 x 250.