Monday, November 20

AIBS Annual Congressional Visit Day

 

Join the American Institute of Biological Sciences for our annual Congressional Visits Day in Washington, DC.

This event is an opportunity for scientists to meet with their members of Congress about the importance of federal support for biological research and education. Event participants advocate for federal funding for biological, life, and environmental sciences research. This event works to build support for the National Science Foundation, but also advocates for research programs in other federal agencies.

This year's event will be held on April 17-18, 2018 in Washington, DC. During the afternoon of April 17, individuals will participate in an advocacy-training program that provides the information required to effectively advocate for their science. On April 18, scientists will participate in congressional meetings organized by AIBS with their elected officials.

Optional training program: In addition, we are offering a one-day short course version of the popular AIBS Communications Boot Camp for Scientists. This eight-hour professional development program will train scientists to translate scientific information for non-technical audiences and to engage with the news media. The course includes formal instruction as well as hands-on and interactive exercises. This professional development training will begin on the afternoon of April 16 and be completed during the morning of April 17. We are pleased to announce that participants in the Congressional Visits Day event may register for this training program at the reduced rate of $150.

Scientists and graduate students who are interested in communicating the importance of federal investments in scientific research and education to lawmakers are encouraged to participate in this important event.

Participants are responsible for their own travel costs.

The ideal participant will:
  • Have an interest in science policy.
  • Work in a scientific profession or be enrolled in graduate school.
  • Be able to speak about the importance of biological research funded by NSF and other federal agencies, and provide compelling examples from their own experiences.
  • Be able to pay their hotel, food, and travel expenses.
Need more information? Read the frequently asked questions.

Registration will close on March 4, 2018. Register at https://www.aibs.org/public-policy/congressional_visits_day.html.

Graduate students: Consider applying for the AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award. Award winners receive free domestic travel for the event.