American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Name	American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Founded	26 December 1906
Founder	John Jacob Abel, Christian Archibald Herter, others
Location	Rockville, Maryland, United States
Key people	Judith S. Bond (Past President), Gerald W. Hart (President)
Focus	Biochemistry, Molecular biology
Website	asbmb.org

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology through scientific discovery, dissemination of research, and advocacy. Founded in the early 20th century, it supports a global community of scientists through its prestigious publications, annual meetings, career development programs, and public policy engagement. The society plays a critical role in shaping scientific discourse and promoting the importance of fundamental biological research.

History

The society was established on December 26, 1906, at a meeting in the New York City home of Christian Archibald Herter, with prominent biochemists like John Jacob Abel and Russell Henry Chittenden among its founders. Its original name, the "American Society of Biological Chemists," reflected the early focus of the discipline, which was heavily influenced by pioneering work in physiological chemistry from institutions like Johns Hopkins University and University of Pennsylvania. A key early achievement was the 1908 founding of its flagship publication, the Journal of Biological Chemistry, under the leadership of the first president, John Jacob Abel. The society grew steadily, with membership expanding significantly after World War II amid rapid advances in areas like enzymology and metabolism. In 1987, recognizing the evolving scope of the field, the membership voted to change the name to its current form, better encompassing the rise of molecular biology and genetics. This period also saw the society move its headquarters to Bethesda, Maryland, and later to Rockville, Maryland, placing it near major federal science agencies like the National Institutes of Health.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by an elected Council led by a president, currently Gerald W. Hart, and supported by various committees overseeing publications, meetings, and public affairs. Membership is organized into several categories, including regular, student, and emeritus, with special interest groups focusing on topics like lipid research and protein science. Key operational units include the publications department, which manages the journal portfolio, and the education and professional development staff. The society maintains close collaborative ties with other major scientific organizations, including the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Its headquarters in Rockville, Maryland houses the executive director and administrative staff who manage daily operations, member services, and advocacy efforts directed at entities like the United States Congress and the National Science Foundation.

Publications

The society publishes several high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals that are foundational to the discipline. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, established in 1905, is one of the most cited and oldest journals in the field, covering all aspects of the molecular basis of biological processes. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, launched in 2002, focuses on large-scale studies of proteins and their functions. The Journal of Lipid Research was adopted by the society in 1964 and remains a premier venue for research on lipids and related metabolites. More recently, the society launched ASBMB Today, a member magazine featuring news, career advice, and commentary. These publications operate under the guidance of editors-in-chief like Martha J. Fedor and editorial boards composed of leading scientists from institutions such as Stanford University and Harvard Medical School.

Meetings and events

The society organizes several major scientific gatherings each year to facilitate the exchange of research and networking. The flagship event is the annual ASBMB Annual Meeting, which attracts thousands of scientists and features symposia on topics ranging from cancer biology to structural biology, often held in locations like San Diego or Philadelphia. In partnership with other organizations, it co-sponsors the Experimental Biology meeting. Specialized conferences include the ASBMB Deuel Conference on Lipids and the Protein Society symposium. The society also hosts numerous virtual webinars, career development workshops, and regional student chapter events at universities across the United States, such as University of California, Berkeley and University of Texas at Austin, to support early-career researchers.

Awards and honors

The society administers a prestigious suite of awards recognizing excellence in research, education, and service. The highest honor is the ASBMB Award for Distinguished Service, given for exceptional contributions to the field. The ASBMB–Merck Award recognizes outstanding contributions to research in biochemistry and molecular biology. Early-career achievements are celebrated through the ASBMB Young Investigator Award and the ASBMB Earl and Thressa Stadtman Young Scholar Award. The society also bestows the ASBMB Alice and C. C. Wang Award in molecular parasitology and the ASBMB Howard K. Schachman Public Service Award. Many award recipients have gone on to receive national accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and the National Medal of Science, with past honorees including notable scientists like Michael Brown, Joseph Goldstein, and Roderick MacKinnon.

Advocacy and public policy

The society actively engages in science policy and advocacy to promote federal investment in basic research and sound science policy. Its public affairs staff and member-driven committees regularly interact with agencies like the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and the Food and Drug Administration. Key initiatives include advocating for robust funding for the NIH and NSF budgets, supporting policies that enhance research security without hindering collaboration, and promoting STEM education reforms. The society organizes annual Capitol Hill visits for members, publishes policy statements on issues like gene editing and open access, and partners with coalitions such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science to influence legislation affecting the scientific enterprise.

Category:Biochemistry organizations Category:Molecular biology organizations Category:Scientific societies based in the United States