Biological researchers and educators from across the country were in Washington, DC, on April 28-30, 2025, to participate in the AIBS Communications Boot Camp for Scientists and Congressional Visits Day.
Following a two-day communications and advocacy training program, scientists headed to Capitol Hill where they spent April 30 meeting with their members of Congress. The meetings provided participants with an opportunity to put into practice what they had learned in the training program, while also advocating for increased federal funding for scientific research.
During a critical time for the U.S. scientific enterprise, these meetings were an opportunity for scientists to help lawmakers understand the importance of sustained and predictable federal investments in scientific research, particularly how federal investments support cutting-edge research in their districts and states. Participants talked with their elected officials about the need for Congress to appropriate at least $9.9 billion to the National Science Foundation and $51.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health in FY 2026. Some also discussed the importance of new investments in other science agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior. Overall, 70 meetings took place between scientists and congressional offices.
Scientists from 22 states and DC participated in the event. AIBS member societies, including American Society of Mammalogists, American Society of Naturalists, American Society of Plant Taxonomists, Botanical Society of America, Mycological Society of America, Organization of Biological Field Stations, and Society for the Study of Evolution, sponsored the participation of a number of scientists. Recipient of the 2025 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award—JP Flores from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill—also attended.
This event is made possible in part by generous contributions from AIBS members who support our policy initiatives. Contact our Public Policy Office today to find out how to support science policy.
Stay current on the latest science policy news. Subscribe to our bi-weekly AIBS Public Policy Report.