BESC Congressional Visits Day

Each year, the Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC), a group co-chaired by AIBS, hosts a Congressional Visits Day in Washington, DC.

This event is an opportunity for scientists to meet with their members of Congress about the importance of federal support for biological research and education.

Event participants advocate for federal investments in biological sciences research, such as that supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other federal agencies.

Join Us for the 2013 BESC Congressional Visits Day

This year's event will be held on 10-11 April 2013 in Washington, DC. The first day of the event is a training program that will prepare participants for meetings with congressional offices. It will include presentations on the federal budget and effective communication with policymakers. The second day is spent on Capitol Hill meeting with members of Congress and their staff.

Scientists and graduate students who are interested in communicating the importance of federal investments in scientific research and education to lawmakers are encouraged to participate in this important event.

There is no cost to participate in this event, but space is limited. BESC and its member organizations are not able to pay/reimburse participants for their expenses.

The ideal participant will:

• Have an interest in science policy.
• Work in a scientific profession or be enrolled in graduate school.
• Be able to speak about the importance of biological research funded by NSF and other federal agencies, and provide compelling examples from their own experiences.
• Be able to pay their hotel, food, and travel expenses.

Need more information? Read the frequently asked questions and the tentative agenda.

Express your interest in participating in the event by completing the form below. Registration will close on 7 March 2013. Space is limited and it may not be possible to accommodate the participation of all interested individuals.

Individuals will be contacted by event organizers by mid-March to confirm participation and to provide supplemental event details.