Our Strategy

Our effective and time-tested advocacy strategy is based on a multi-pronged approach that recognizes and capitalizes on the interdependent nature of policy development, policymaker outreach and grassroots initiatives.

Policy Development

Our policy development efforts serve as the foundation for the Society’s efforts in public policies that advance the microbial sciences. Drawing from 6 policy principles, we work with our members to advance key policy priorities, advocate for evidence-based policy and weigh in on public policies, often in response to specific requests from Congress or regulatory agencies.

Policymaker Outreach

Our policymaker outreach efforts serve as a voice for the microbiology community in the sphere of public policy. We seek to identify and influence policies that have effects across the breadth of the microbial sciences by educating members of Congress and their staff about ASM, our members and the importance of investing in the microbial sciences.

Member Advocacy Engagement

Our member advocacy program engages ASM members in the public policy discourse, leveraging their unique perspectives and expertise in the microbial sciences to advance policy priorities.

Fundamental Microbial Sciences and Discovery

Basic microbial sciences and their broad applications.

• Microbiologists and the Bioeconomy: Powering Innovation.
• ASM Requests Investments in NIH and CDC in FY25.
• Microbiome research and the fight against AMR.
• ASM and Partners Support Bioeconomy Legislation.
• ASM Backs National Science Foundation for the Future Act.

Microbes and Health

Advancing the microbial sciences and their application to human health.

• ASM Responds to PACCARB on Addressing AMR.
• ASM Applauds Introduction of FORWARD Act.
• ASM Responds to CDC on National One Health Framework.
• ASM and IDSA Submit Joint Letter to White House Executive Office.
• ASM Leads Support Letter for CDC Advanced Molecular Detection Program Funding.

Microbes in Agriculture

The role of microbes in plants, animals, soil and water in supporting a healthy agroecosystem.

• ASM Proposes Increased Support for Research at USDA.
• ASM Comments on Upcoming Farm Bill.
• ASM Offers Feedback on NIFA Food and Ag Research Priorities.

Microbes, Energy and Environment

Microbes as a key component to developing solutions to energy and environmental problems.

• Meet the Policymaker Webinar: National Climate Assessment Authors.
• ASM Responds to Environmental Protection Agency on Antimicrobial Resistance Assessment Framework.
• ASM Responds to Department of Energy's RFI.
• ASM Advocates for Scientific Solutions to Climate Change.
• The Role of Microbiology in Sustainable Development.

Biosecurity and Biodefense

Addressing existing, emerging and reemerging health threats.

• ASM Responds to Approval of Risky Research Review Act.
• ASM Responds to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on P3CO and DURC.
• ASM Statement in Response to Biosafety Hearing.
• ASM Attests to NSABB Expertise in Biosecurity.

Promoting a Culture of Scientific Advancement

Supporting basic, translational, clinical and applied microbial sciences from a global perspective.

• ASM Recommends Priorities for U.S. Delegation to UN General Assembly.
• The Art of Communicating Basic Research.
• ASM Responds to RFI on National Science Foundation Public Access Plan 2.0.
• ASM Responds to NIH Draft Public Access Policy.
• Continuing to Combat Sexual Harassment in Science.
• ASM Responds to NIH Request for Information on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

How to Get Involved

We provide opportunities for members to advocate for evidence-based scientific policy. ASM members can participate by speaking directly with Congressional staffers (Hill Day), signing on to petitions or contacting their legislators through action alerts.

The ASM Advocacy Team has created several resources and trainings to help scientists communicate with Congress, and we make it easy for members to advocate for evidence-based scientific policy and learn about important policy issues affecting the microbial sciences.