Emergency Session Meeting

Recent actions by the Executive Branch to restrict the distribution of grants and reduce indirect cost rates present a threat to the entire biomedical research enterprise in the US. These and/or other changes made to how research is funded, put the academic systems in which we produce the world’s most impactful scientific advances and train the next generation of scientists under threat.

Recognizing the remarkable intellectual, geographical and institutional diversity of Biochemistry Chairs and Department Heads, as well as our deep connections to and direct relationships with academic leaders, faculty, staff and trainees, we believe that this group can make valuable contributions to the current discussion that could provide potential solutions to the present challenges we all face. Accordingly, the AMGDB Board wishes to leverage these attributes of our community in an “Emergency Session” meeting to:

1. Brainstorm strategies for Biochemistry Department leaders to counteract current and future threats to the biomedical research enterprise;
2. Provide tools and tips for Biochemistry Department leaders and, in turn, their faculty, staff and trainees to advocate in their Congressional Districts prior to the March 14, 2025 government funding deadline;
3. Discuss strategies to protect our departments and personnel if and when debilitating cuts are made to research funding mechanisms and practices; and
4. Consult on the content of an Op-Ed piece that AMGDB Board members are writing in response to the current threat we and the country are all facing.

We hope that you will be able to join us regardless of whether or not you are currently an active AMGDB member.