AIBS sponsors 2nd Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) will convene the 2nd annual Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event, which will be held throughout the month of August 2010.

Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits is an opportunity for scientists, science educators, research facility managers, and graduate students to meet with their members of Congress to inform them about scientific research and research facilities in their congressional district. Representatives and Senators spend time in their congressional districts and home states each August, providing an excellent window of opportunity for scientists to share first-hand the value of their research with those who shape the nation's science policy.

"Science is one of the keys to economic progress in our country, and investment in scientific research has the power to stimulate the economy as well as sustain it in the long term," said AIBS Executive Director Dr. Richard O'Grady.

"In this era of climate change, biodiversity loss, threats to food supply and public health, the need for biological science in support of public policy decision-making has never been greater," said AIBS Director of Public Policy Dr. Robert Gropp. After years of budget cuts and the current economic crisis, research laboratories, field stations, and natural history museums are suffering. The Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event will allow participating scientists and research facilities to meet with their members of Congress at a research facility, or in their congressional district office, to show them first-hand the importance of sustained federal investments in biological science research and education.

Participants will be prepared for their congressional meeting(s) by an interactive online training session that will help them create and refine their message. The AIBS Public Policy Office will also provide participating scientists with tips and guidance for scheduling meetings.

Provided by American Institute of Biological Sciences