In a time of uncertainty for science in the United States, I know many of you are feeling the strain. At ASCB, we feel it too. Like many labs and institutions across the country, we’re grappling with shifting priorities and shrinking budgets. This year, we faced the difficult loss of two cornerstone programs: the FRED (Faculty Research and Education Development) and MOSAIC (Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers) grants. Both were designed to support early-career researchers—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—and their loss is deeply felt. 

I want to recognize the longstanding leadership of our MAC (Maximizing Access to Cell Biology for PEERS) Committee, which launched and ran the FRED program and contributed meaningfully to MOSAIC. Their commitment helped foster the careers of scientists who are now shaping the future of our field. 

These programs didn’t end by choice. They were terminated by their funders—a decision that has had real consequences. The greatest impact falls on promising scientists losing support at pivotal career stages. These individuals are the future of science, and we cannot afford to lose them. 

That’s why I’m proud that the ASCB Council recently voted to develop an amicus brief in a legal case challenging the termination of NIH grants. This powerful statement—developed with ASBMB, ASM, and FASEB—defends the value of long-term investment in a diverse scientific workforce. I encourage you to read and share it. 

Advocacy is not a sideline activity for ASCB—it’s central to our mission. Our Public Policy Committee has mobilized members across the country, reaching out to Congress, participating in Virtual Hill Days, and telling the story of why science matters. If you haven’t yet joined us, now is the time. 

But as we reckon with challenges, we are also building momentum. I’m incredibly excited about the months ahead. 

Our annual meeting, Cell Bio 2025, is shaping up to be one of the strongest in years. We received 30% more session proposals than last year—a sign of energy and engagement across our field. Our keynote and symposia lineups feature world-class scientists addressing bold questions at the frontiers of biology. Registration opens soon. You won’t want to miss it. 

We’re also continuing to support your careers in tangible ways. 

• A new cohort of our ASCB Connect mentorship program will open in July—over 500 members have joined to date; get involved and get connected. 

• Our Biotech Course just wrapped up another successful run. With more than a decade of impact, this course has helped over 700 attendees land jobs in industry. 

• Our career center now offers ASCB members exclusive early access to new job postings, along with year-round CV reviews and career coaching. 

This Pride Month, I encourage you to attend an upcoming webinar hosted by our LGBTQ+ Committee, where they’ll share insights from the largest climate survey of LGBTQ+ professionals in the biological sciences to date. This groundbreaking work, led by our committee and supported by partner societies including ISSCR, GSA, SABER, and the Biophysical Society, will shape how our field becomes more inclusive and supportive. 

These are hard times—but they are also moments of possibility. Science has always depended on the strength of its community. Thank you to every member who has picked up the phone, shared their story, or lent their voice to this work. We are proud to stand with you. 

Science moves forward because of curiosity, grit, and community. Even when times are tough, your work paves the way for discoveries that will matter for generations. That’s the promise of science—and we’re in this together.