As I finish up my time as the CEO of the American Society for Cell Biology, I want to express my deep gratitude to all of you for making this role such a privilege. Serving the cell biology community has been an extraordinary experience.
Before becoming CEO, I knew this field well. As the former editor of Trends in Cell Biology and The Journal of Cell Biology, I understood the remarkable science, the field’s foundational role in biomedical research, and its constant drive to push technological boundaries to see ever deeper into the cell. I was an ASCB member who walked the Cell Bio poster hall floor long before I was the one signing the convention center contract. But stepping into the CEO role taught me something more about the strength and heart of the ASCB community.
I have seen your passionate advocacy through Council’s commitment to challenging unlawful NIH grant terminations, through members leading virtual Hill Days, and through our Public Policy Committee members emailing thousands of colleagues to mobilize engagement.
I have seen your unwavering dedication to ASCB’s core values. Since the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision on affirmative action, these have been challenging times for organizations committed to inclusion and belonging. In 2025, ASCB lost two federal grants focused on supporting underrepresented scientists because they were deemed not aligned with the administration’s values. But ASCB is not walking back. Instead, our volunteer leaders are thoughtfully charting a path forward that upholds our values while adapting to a changing landscape. I believe ASCB will continue to lead in ways others will follow.
Leading through disruption is never easy. Yet ASCB has remained focused on mission-driven progress, listening to members and evolving to meet your needs.
Over the past several years, we have expanded our reach in ways that bring the cell biology community together more meaningfully. We launched ASCB Connect, which has brought together hundreds of members for networking and collaboration. We introduced year-round virtual scientific events to spotlight emerging research and sustain conversation beyond the annual meeting. Our publications are growing again, thanks to member-focused features that have led more researchers to publish in Molecular Biology of the Cell. Our Virtual Hill Days have broadened access to advocacy, enabling members at all career stages, not just elected leaders, to bring the voice of science to Capitol Hill. Staff and volunteers are continuing to expand these and other programs in the months ahead.
ASCB is on solid footing. We have strengthened our programs while stabilizing the Society’s finances. This is the right time for new leadership to bring fresh perspective and vision to guide ASCB through its next chapter. The Council is currently identifying interim CEO leadership, and I look forward to supporting a smooth and stable transition.
Even in uncertain times, I remain incredibly optimistic about the future of science. We are living in a moment of extraordinary scientific advances. Technologies like artificial intelligence are poised to drive foundational leaps, and those leaps will require a strong base of discovery. Cell biology will be there to provide it.
I encourage you to lean on this community, especially in challenging times. Stay engaged with ASCB and help shape its future. This Society plays a unique and vital role in the scientific ecosystem.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of this journey.
With appreciation,
Rebecca
