American Society for Cell Biology

American Society for Cell Biology
Name	American Society for Cell Biology
Founded	1960
Headquarters	Rockville, Maryland
Key people	Erika Holzbaur (President, 2024)
Website	https://www.ascb.org/

American Society for Cell Biology. The American Society for Cell Biology is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing scientific discovery in the fields of cell biology and related disciplines. Founded in 1960, it serves a global community of researchers, educators, and students. The society promotes excellence in research, supports career development, and advocates for robust scientific funding and sound public policy.

History

The society was established in 1960 by a group of prominent biologists, including early leaders like Keith R. Porter and George E. Palade, who were instrumental in defining the modern field of cell biology using emerging techniques like electron microscopy. Its formation coincided with a period of rapid expansion in the biological sciences, following pivotal discoveries like the structure of DNA. Early meetings were held in conjunction with other societies, such as the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. A key early achievement was the 1964 founding of its flagship journal, The Journal of Cell Biology, which quickly became a premier publication. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it grew in tandem with major scientific advances, including the development of confocal microscopy and molecular cloning.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by an elected Board of Directors, which includes the President, President-Elect, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The current President is Erika Holzbaur of the University of Pennsylvania. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive office located in Rockville, Maryland. Key committees oversee areas such as public policy, education, and professional development. The membership is diverse, encompassing researchers from academia, industry, and government agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. It also maintains collaborative relationships with other scientific organizations, including the European Molecular Biology Organization and the International Federation for Cell Biology.

Publications

The society's primary publication is the highly cited The Journal of Cell Biology, which publishes peer-reviewed research on all aspects of cell biology. It also publishes CBE—Life Sciences Education, a journal focused on undergraduate biology education. Another key publication is Molecular Biology of the Cell, which it co-publishes with the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. These journals are central to disseminating foundational research on topics ranging from cytoskeleton dynamics to cell signaling pathways. The society also produces the newsletter ASCB Post and supports open access initiatives through platforms like bioRxiv.

Annual meeting

The Annual Meeting is a major international event, typically held in cities like Philadelphia, San Diego, or Washington, D.C.. It attracts thousands of scientists from around the world and features hundreds of symposia, workshops, and poster sessions. The meeting showcases cutting-edge research in areas such as cancer biology, developmental biology, and neurobiology. Special sessions often focus on emerging technologies like cryo-electron microscopy and CRISPR gene editing. The event also includes a large exhibition hall with representatives from companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Zeiss, and Addgene, and provides extensive networking and career development opportunities.

Awards and honors

The society administers several prestigious awards to recognize scientific excellence. The highest honor is the E.B. Wilson Medal, awarded for significant contributions to cell biology. Other major awards include the Bruce Alberts Award for excellence in science education, the Merton Bernfield Memorial Award for a promising early-career scientist, and the Women in Cell Biology (WICB) Senior Award. It also bestows the Public Service Award to individuals who advocate for science funding, such as former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Many award recipients, like Randy Schekman and James Rothman, have later received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Advocacy and public policy

The society is actively engaged in advocacy to support the scientific enterprise. Its public policy efforts focus on securing sustained funding for agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. It organizes events such as Hill Day, where members meet with legislators on Capitol Hill. The society also advocates for sound science policy on issues like stem cell research and biomedical innovation. Through its commitment to education and diversity, it supports programs aimed at increasing participation from underrepresented groups in STEM fields. It frequently collaborates with coalitions like the American Institute of Biological Sciences and the Research!America alliance.

Category:Cell biology organizations Category:Scientific societies based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1960