Advocate Spotlight: Recognizing the Voices of Scientific Advocates
Kevin C. Kregel
"One-on-one advocacy with policymakers is a way to support and advance biomedical and biological research efforts in a broad and impactful way. The other part of it, in my mind, is that when you're able to advocate directly with policymakers, it's a significant opportunity to amplify the voices of all biomedical researchers across the U.S."
Vijay Kale
"Most people, whether policymakers or the public, don't always understand the complexity of scientific research and its tremendously positive impact on the society, and we have a responsibility through public conversations and advocacy to help describe it and explain its importance for society."
Mona Dai
Mona Dai believes other young researchers and PhD candidates would benefit from participating in FASEB's advocacy efforts on the Hill because they would be able to spend time with more senior scientists in an informal setting.
Patricia L. Morris
"Early-stage investigators can tell them about their struggles, their hurdles, what milestones they've met in their careers, and how their research training has enhanced their careers. A more established person can do the 30,000-foot view, and early-stage investigators can talk about embracing the joy of doing science research."
Michael Schaller and Eric Kelly
Recognizing their students and postdocs weren't being exposed to legislative advocacy as part of their core training, Michael Schaller and Eric Kelly have designed a series of workshops that feature a mock Capitol Hill Day to illustrate to young investigators that advocacy is an essential skill for every scientist.
Randall Davis and Charles Roberts
When FASEB and its member societies participate in Capitol Hill Day, one issue that comes up is how biomedical research employs animals to study diseases that affect humans. Randall Davis of Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and Charles Roberts of Oregon Health & Science University agree that successful advocacy requires articulate spokespeople with a passion for the science.
Michael Friedlander
For Michael Friedlander, advocacy on behalf of the biosciences is a long-term passion and a commitment. He enjoys both speaking with his colleagues and talking to people from other walks of life. “When you share it in a digestible and understandable way, whether it’s with kids or adults, you can see the spark and the excitement. It’s an exhilarating experience,” he says.
Cherié L. Butts
Immunologist Cherié L. Butts believes the scientific community should be more active in advocating for more and better funding for public and private research. “What I try to tell people is never assume the funding will always be there for you because there's no guarantee that the cycle will continue. We must continuously work on this.”