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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 ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ, our members and the importance of investing in the microbial sciences.

Member Advocacy Engagement

Our member advocacy program engages ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ 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.

• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Statement on Dismissal of National Science Board.
• Harnessing the Power of Microbes for the Future.
• Microbiome Research and the Fight Against AMR.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Responds to NSF FY 2026-2030 Draft Strategic Plan.

Microbes and Health

Advancing the microbial sciences and their application to human health.

• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Responds to NIH RFI on FY2027-2031 Strategic Plan.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Supports PASTEUR Act to Help Combat AMR.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Responds to FDA on Dietary Supplement Ingredients.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Joins Global One Health Diagnostics Access Compact.

Microbes in Agriculture

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

• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Encourages Increased Support of FY27 USDA Research.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Requests Funding Support for NWSS in FY2027.
• Supporting the Microbial Sciences in Agriculture.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Supports Introduction of PREDICT Act.

Microbes, Energy and Environment

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

• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Urges Support for Climate Science.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Joins Letter Supporting NCAR.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Supports Upholding EPA Endangerment Finding.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Policy Recommendations to Address Climate Change.

Biosecurity and Biodefense

Addressing existing, emerging and reemerging health threats.

• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Leads Letter on Federal Biosecurity & Biosafety Policy.
• Pausing Research Not a Path to Better Biosafety & Biosecurity.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Responds to Approval of Risky Research Review Act.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Responds to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on P3CO and DURC.

Promoting a Culture of Scientific Advancement

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

• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Responds to White House OSTP RFI on American Science.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Commends Quadripartite AMR Plan Draft.
• The Art of Communicating Basic Research.
• ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ Responds to NIH Draft Public Access Policy.

How to Get Involved

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

The ¶¶ÒõÈÈÃÅ 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.