FASEB Leadership Discusses Strategies to Advance Science in Turbulent Times

By: Yvette Seger
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Each year, members of FASEB’s Science Policy Committee (SPC) and Board of Directors convene to explore emerging policy topics and deliberate potential actions. However, the events of 2025 prompted a different approach for this year’s Science Policy Symposium, to one in which the group determined the boundaries for potential FASEB positions on a range of priorities emerging from the current administration, including streamlining federal grant applications and awards, attracting and retaining the research workforce of the future, and improving the efficiency and organization of federal research agencies.

Chaired by H. Joseph Yost, PhD, FASEB’s Vice President for Science Policy, the Symposium kicked off with a keynote presentation by Andrew Black, JD, Chief of Staff and Chief Public Affairs Officer for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Black’s presentation highlighted the importance of and need for researchers to communicate the value gained from federal investments in research to Congressional leaders and the American public. He also noted that it was important for the scientific community to acknowledge the need for regular self-evaluation to ensure innovation rather than reliance on the status quo.

The outcomes of the day’s proceedings will be used to inform the development of FASEB positions and responses to Requests for Information, as well as our advocacy on Capitol Hill.