Who We Are
About AIBS
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charitable organization dedicated to the use of science to inform decision making for the benefit of the science and society. Our staff members work to achieve the mission by publishing the peer-reviewed journal BioScience, by providing scientific peer review and advisory services to a wide variety of research organizations, and by collaborating with scientists, students, and institutions to advance public policy, education, and the public understanding of science.
In the February 2020 BioScience cover, Photinus carolinus fireflies light up a trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. Credit: Radim Schreiber
Our Vision
To advance the biological sciences to promote increased understanding of all life.
Our Mission
To promote the use of science to inform decision-making and advance biology for the benefit of science and society.
What We Do
We support the biological sciences through our work, including:
- Publication of BioScience, our scientific journal
- Peer review of research proposals and assessment of research progress and impact
- Professional development for scientists and students
- Advocacy in science policy
- Educating the public about biology
In recent years, we have:
- Trained more than 3,000 scientists to be effective communicators, science advocates, and team scientists
- Recognized by The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections for advocacy on behalf of biodiversity collections and natural history museums
- Disseminated high impact research through BioScience – a top 5 biology journal with an impact factor of 10.1
- Published 2 top-10 papers in BioScience as ranked by Altmetric at the time of publication
- Produced 17 publications on the peer review process over the last decade
- Launched a research initiative to understand bias in peer-review
- Led the effort to develop the Extended Specimen Network – a strategic vision to guide future integrative research and education involving biological specimens
- Expanded and diversified our peer review services, with over 20 new clients since 2017
99 Member Organizations Strong
AIBS is made up of a diverse group of scientific organizations. Our 99 member organizations includes scientific societies, museums, botanic gardens, and universities.
Who We Are
AIBS is governed by a Board of Directors and a Council of representatives of our member organizations and is guided by a strategic plan.
Our staff has expertise in peer review, scientific publishing, science policy, communications, and technology.
The people who work here are passionate and dedicated to the advancement of biology and science. If you'd like to learn more about working at AIBS, visit us on LinkedIn.
Our Welcoming Environment Statement
Science is strengthened when many different perspectives and ideas are openly shared. In our mission to advance evidence-based decision-making for the benefit of science and society, AIBS is committed to supporting the wide array of perspectives needed for continued global leadership in solving scientific challenges. AIBS values and embraces variety in gender, race, color, ethnicity, age, sex, class, religion, national origin, physical and mental capabilities, language, sexual orientation, marital status, and gender identity, as well as career stage, life experience, and area of expertise. To build a framework that supports the highest quality evidence-based science, we are dedicated to fostering a culture based on merit, fairness, and mutual respect by promoting broad-ranging involvement in all of our initiatives.
Our History
Since 1947, AIBS has been a leader in the biological sciences. Learn more about our history.
You can also read our most recent annual report.