FASEB

The Histochemical Society and
the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

The Histochemical Society (HCS) is a member of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), a coalition of 30+ scientific societies representing over 125,000 biological and biomedical researchers from around the world. FASEB promotes research and education in the biological and biomedical sciences, and it has become an internationally recognized organization that legislators, federal agencies, and the media turn to for information on policies related to biomedical science and engineering.
 
FASEB’s elected leaders and staff meet regularly with members of Congress, congressional staff, and federal agency officials to provide the prospective of the membership on a wide range of issues. These positions are developed by the working scientists representing FASEB member societies and reflect the views of a broad cross-section of the research community. 

HCS Representatives to FASEB: 

  • Robin Lorenz, MD, PhD, FASEB Board Representative
  • Joseph Cheatwood, PhD, Science Policy Committee
  • Denis Baskin, PhD, Interim Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal
  • Charles Frevert, DVM, ScD, Meetings Committee
  • Liliana Schaefer, PhD, Publications Committee

Professional staff in the Office of Public Affairs, experts on policy issues that affect scientists and engineers, work with the representatives of FASEB member societies to develop and promote polices to advance research and education in the biological and biomedical sciences. FASEB amplifies the voice of the scientists and ensures that their perspective is represented in policy discussions. By speaking with a single voice, our member societies can increase the impact of the message and maximize their influence on public policy. FASEB staff and consultants can also advise member societies on strategies and tactics for specific initiatives on policy issues pertinent to their discipline and members.

Legislative Affairs

One of our top priorities is urging Congress to provide sustainable and predictable federal funding for biomedical and related life science research. But it is not enough for national organizations like FASEB to advocate on behalf of science—elected officials need to hear from their own constituents! Join FASEB’s advocacy efforts to help ensure the United States continues to be a hub for innovation and scientific discovery. The resources below have been specifically designed to help scientists and their colleagues request a meeting with their members of Congress, use social media to connect with elected officials, attend a town hall meeting, or submit an op-ed to a local newspaper.
 

 

Science Policy

 
FASEB develops and advances proactive policy positions on issues affecting scientists. Current policy issues include:

  • Animals in Research and Education

  • Clinical and Translational Research

  • Data Science and Informatics

  • Federal Funding for Research

  • Regulatory Burden and Research Administration

  • Research Enterprise Evaluation

  • Shared Research Resources

  • Research Reproducibility

  • Training and Career Opportunities for Scientists.

 
Click here to view a full description and list of policy committees.
 

Publications

 
FASEB’s Office of Public Affairs publishes reports, articles, newsletters, and essays to help keep its member societies and other scientific organizations abreast of policies impacting biological and biomedical sciences. These include:
 

  • The Washington Update, a biweekly newsletter, featuring FASEB public affairs activities and reports, the “inside scoop” on legislative activity related to science policy issues on Capitol Hill, spotlights on member society activities, and highlights of relevant science agency news and meetings
  • Breakthroughs and Horizons in Bioscience, essays that illustrate recent breakthroughs in biomedical research and their importance to society as well as scientific discoveries on the brink of clinical application
  • Federal Funding Factsheets, up-to-date information on the federal investment in research in states and districts in the United States
     

Research Funding, Employment, and Training Data

As part of FASEB’s effort to inform the policy development process, the Office of Public Affairs collects, compiles, and analyzes information relevant to biomedical research policy.