Robert Gropp, Ph.D. Director of Public Policy Richard O’Grady, Ph.D. Executive Director

1. Robert Gropp, Ph.D. Director of Public Policy Richard O’Grady, Ph.D. Executive Director

2. About AIBS Scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society. • Founded in 1947 as a part of the National Academy of Sciences -- became an independent, member-governed organization in the 1950s. • Headquartered in Washington, DC. • Website: www.aibs.org.

3. Membership • 5000 individual members • 200 scientific societies, organizations and research centers (roughly 100 natural science collections) • Combined membership of approximately 250,000 individuals • 16 member organizations target funds for public policy

4. AIBS Program Areas • Public Affairs - Public policy, government and media relations • Education and Diversity Programs • Publications - BioScience, ActionBioscience.org • Scientific Peer Advisory and Review Services • Science - Conferences, program development

5. Biology and Policy - AIBS represents the breadth of biology, but we have a core membership of organismal, integrative and ecological scientists • We are strategic in what we address–try to focus resources on the issues that others can’t or don’t address, issues of broad interest to biology

6. Science Policy • Federal policy focus • Research funding, integrity (e.g. peer review, politicization), infrastructure • Primary agency focus: NSF, USGS, USDA, EPA, NOAA • Education and workforce policy, including evolution

7. Bridge between scientists and policymakers Work with media to communicate science to decision-makers and public Provide scientists with tools to influence policy and media Provide timely policy analysis Policy Communication

8. Knowledge Transfer • Provide decision-makers with information • Capitol Hill science briefings • Meetings and conferences • 2008: Climate, Environment and Infectious Disease • 2007: Evolutionary Biology and Human Health • 2006: Biodiversity: The Interplay of Science, Valuation, and Policy • 2005: Open Access Publishing • 2004: Invasive Species: The Search for Solutions • 2003: Bioethics in a Changing World

9. Policy Advocacy • Lobby lawmakers • Coalition efforts: Co-chair, BESC and USGS Coalition, participate in CNSF, STEM Ed, Museum Working Group, Coalition of Scientific Society, Campaign Project • Grassroots advocacy, including training to help scientists be effective advocates

10. Advancing Policy Initiatives • Demonstrated need • Data – scope of problem, informed response • Broad, sustained, vocal support • Timing

11. Metrics – 1 • No hard rules or formulas for measuring impact • There are tools to track and facilitate communication between citizens and lawmakers – we do not currently use these • We are aware that past ‘action alerts’ have had impact – we’ve received calls from congressional offices

12. Metrics -- 2 Capitol Hill activities this Congress – - Organized science briefing, will do 1 more - Organized 3 receptions on Hill, will do 1 more - Organized >125 congressional visits - Worked to secure legislative language in authorizing and appropriations legislation - Recognized 2 Representatives and 2 Senators for support of biology

13. Metrics – 3 The real measure is outcome • Is desired program or funding included in a formal policy document? • Was the requested funding appropriated? • Is it clear that our message has been internalized by policymakers? • Is the message clearly and consistently articulated in policy documents? • Are teachers permitted to teach evolution?

14. Positive Outcomes • We’ve been successful in defeating anti-evolution initiatives in states and on Capitol Hill • Key members of Congress have asked questions and inserted report language into legislation recognizing the importance of biology – significant step forward • From Hill meetings last week, Appropriators and Science Committee members recognize importance of biology to resolving environmental problems, food & homeland security, energy and health innovation

15. Political Leadership • We continue to provide timely analysis to current leadership • Provide broad guidance to candidates – e.g. suggestions about key skills and abilities for science appointees • Can’t endorse candidates – can highlight positions and seek to educate • Have informed scientists about campaigns of interest

16. On-going Conversations • Congress – key members of authorizing, appropriating committees, leadership • Executive Branch – agency and White House appointees, key staff

17. Messages

18. Message for New Leadership: Global Climate Change • Current Congress recognizes significance of GCC and its impact on life • GCC is now becoming bipartisan • New Administration should be more willing to act – the question will be balance between research and mitigation, and what types of research • GCC: Impacts everyone, everywhere. • GCC is also a valuable way to frame our message • Allows for basic and applied research; taxa or synthetic; independent and collaborative research

19. Questions Please feel free to contact us at: Robert Gropp – rgropp@aibs.org, 202-628-1500 x 250 Richard O’Grady – rogrady@aibs.org, 202-628-1500 x 258

20. Thank You Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this important discussion