The American Society for Cell Biology seeks to broaden and diversify the perspectives, backgrounds, and areas of expertise on both the ASCB Council and the Program Committee. We hope for both self- and peer nominations from the broader ASCB membership, and especially encourage those with a track record with respect to inclusion, equity, and/or diversity efforts to consider applying.
The deadline to apply for either type of leadership position is quickly approaching. Please see below for more details.
ASCB Council—Apply by February 5
The ASCB Council sets priorities and strategic directions, oversees resource allocation, and ensures that ASCB activities align with the mission of the ASCB.
The ASCB Council consists of 12 ASCB Councilors, as well as the ASCB Officers (President, President-Elect, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer). ASCB Councilors are elected by their peers (ASCB voting members) to three-year terms. The duties of the Council are to oversee the organizational health and engage in the overall stewardship of the Society, to determine the policies for the good of the Society, approve the budget, approve changes in dues, review proposals for amendments to the bylaws and articles of incorporation, and take other appropriate governance actions.
Recently, the ASCB bylaws were amended to expand the membership categories of those who could serve as Council members, to include graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Now, all regular, postdoctoral, graduate student, and educator members may apply to be on Council.
The upcoming election will include seats reserved for a trainee (graduate student/postdoctoral member) and an educator at a primarily undergraduate institution, minority- or Hispanic-serving institution, or historically black college or university. More info/apply>>
Program Committee—Apply by February 12
The ASCB is also opening its Program Committee to volunteers for the first time. In the past, committee members were selected by the Program Co-Chairs and then approved by the Executive Committee. The Program Co-Chairs were selected by the ASCB President-Elect and EMBO and approved by Council.
Regular ASCB and EMBO members are invited to apply for a two-year term on the Program Committee for the 2022 and 2023 Cell Bio Meetings, and to serve as Program Committee Chair for the 2022 meeting.
Each of the seven scientific tracks has two track chairs, for a total of 14 Program Committee members. Seven track chairs are serving their second term and ASCB is now accepting applications for seven track chairs to replace the members who are rotating off the committee.
Service on the committee requires responsiveness via email, working with a Google Drive document, reviewing applications for minisymposia co-chairs, as well as participating in several two-hour conference calls.
The committee is responsible for assisting with: 1) crafting the list of symposia topics and speakers and workshop topics and speakers and 2) selecting minisymposia co-chairs within your scientific track. This is an opportunity to help shape the Annual Meeting, and we encourage all to apply. More info/apply>>
We hope to get many applicants for these new leadership opportunities!
About the Author:
ASCB President Martin Chalfie is University Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Columbia University.
Omar Quintero is the Chair of the ASCB Nominating Committee. He is an associate professor of biology at the University of Richmond.
