American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The ASBMB was originally called the American Society of Biological Chemists, before obtaining its current name in 1987. The society is based in Rockville, Maryland. ASBMB's mission is to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology through publication of scientific and educational journals, the organization of scientific meetings, advocacy for funding of basic research and education, support of science education at all levels, and by promoting the diversity of individuals entering the scientific workforce. The organization currently has over 12,000 members.

• Name — American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology • Founded — December 26th, 1906 • Founder — John Jacob Abel • Location — Rockville, Maryland • Key People — Toni M. Antalis: President Joan W. Conaway: Treasurer Wei Yang: Secretary • Num Employees — 41 • Num Members — 12,000

ASBMB hosts and sponsors numerous meetings each year. The annual meeting is held each April in conjunction with the Experimental Biology meeting. Additionally, themed special symposia are organized throughout the year. The society also produces webinars throughout the year focused on topics related to scientific research, professional development and education.

The Public Affairs Office works with the PAAC to advocate for increased research budgets for the major governmental funding agencies, primarily the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. ASBMB has developed a set of recommendations for pre-medical course requirements consistent with the new Medical College Admission Test. Advocacy efforts also focus on protecting the conditions that promote a successful research environment. In addition, the office works to maintain a healthy relationship between ASBMB members, government officials, and the public in order to foster awareness of the importance of science to everyday life. As part of their advocacy efforts, ASBMB organizes Capitol Hill Day, an annual event that allows graduate students and trainees to meet their congressional representatives in Washington, D.C.

The society offers twenty-five different awards, grants, and scholarships.

• ASBMB Award for Exemplary Contributions to Education • ASBMB Leadership Awards • ASBMB–Merck Award • ASBMB Young Investigator Award • Avanti Award in Lipids • Bert and Natalie Vallee Award in Biomedical Science • DeLano Award for Computational Biosciences • Earl and Thressa Stadtman Distinguished Scientist Award • Earl and Thressa Stadtman Young Scholar Award • Herbert Tabor Research Award • Mildred Cohn Award in Biological Chemistry - The Mildred Cohn Award in Biological Chemistry was established in 2013 to honor the scientific achievements of Mildred Cohn. Cohn was the first female president of the society, in 1978. The award of $5,000 is presented annually to a scientist who has made substantial advances in understanding biological chemistry using innovative physical approaches. The recipient is expected to deliver the Mildred Cohn Award lecture at the annual meeting. • Ruth Kirschstein Diversity in Science Award • The Alice and C. C. Wang Award in Molecular Parasitology • Walter A. Shaw Young Investigator Award in Lipid Research • William C. Rose Award

• ASBMB Student Chapters Regional Meeting Award • Outstanding Chapter Award • Student Chapter Outreach Grant • ASBMB Undergraduate Research Award • Student Chapters Award

• Marion B. Sewer Distinguished Scholarship for Undergraduates • Promoting Research Opportunities for Latin American Biochemists • ASBMB Science Fair Award

Source: • 2023 - Anne Kenworthy • 2022 - Janet Smith • 2021 - Carol Fierke • 2019 - Angela Gronenborn • 2018 – Leemor Joshua-Tor • 2017 – Wei Yang • 2016 – Eva Nogales • 2015 – Judith P. Klinman • 2014 – Lila M. Gierasch • 2013 – Jennifer A. Doudna