The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Public Policy Office has released its annual report for 2025. In a year marked by extraordinary political and fiscal uncertainty, AIBS remained a steadfast bridge between the biological research community and the halls of government. The report details our efforts to protect the integrity of the scientific enterprise and ensure that evidence remains central to national decision-making.
Some of our key accomplishments from 2025 include:
- Facilitated 90 meetings between scientists and lawmakers to discuss the critical importance of federal research funding, as part of our annual Congressional Visits Day and the 16th Annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits.
- Provided professional development training to 184 scientists, with 148 specifically completing our communications and policy engagement curriculum. To date, over 3,000 scientists have participated in AIBS professional development programs.
- Led a coalition of 58 scientific organizations to urge Congress to protect scientific independence.
- Successfully opposed proposals to terminate the Ecosystems Mission Area within the U.S. Geological Survey and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- Provided comments to the White House emphasizing the need for sustained and predictable funding, robust federal support for basic research, and a commitment to independent merit-based peer review.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary discussions resulting in a strategic roadmap for integrated biological and environmental data.
The report also highlights the success of our student programs, featuring 2025 Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award recipient JP Flores and 2025 AIBS & SURA Public Policy Fellow Anna Rader Groves. We invite our members to support the expansion of these opportunities to ensure more early-career professionals can work effectively at the nexus of science and policy.
Delve into the full report to explore our position statements, advocacy resources, and outreach activities. Our work is only possible through the unwavering support of our member societies, organizations, and individual scientists.
Download the 2025 Public Policy Office Annual Report.