The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is a nonprofit scientific public charitable organization. The organization's mission is to promote the use of science to inform decision-making and advance biology for the benefit of science and society.
Overview
AIBS serves as a society of societies. AIBS has over 115 member organizations and is headquartered in Herndon, VA. Its staff work to achieve its mission by publishing the peer-reviewed journal BioScience, providing peer review and advisory support services for funding organizations, providing professional development for scientists and students, advocating for science policy and educating the public about biology. AIBS works with like-minded organizations, funding agencies, and nonprofit and for-profit entities to promote the use of science to inform decision-making.
AIBS is governed by an esteemed Board of Directors and a Council of representatives of our member organizations.
Background and history
AIBS was established in 1947 as a part of the National Academy of Sciences. The overarching goal was to unify the individuals and organizations that collectively represent the biological sciences, so that the community could address matters of common concern. In the 1950s, AIBS became an independent, member-governed, nonprofit 501(c)3 public charity scientific organization. The organization continues to work diligently to communicate biology to the scientific community, funders, policymakers, and other groups interested in exploring cross-cutting ideas in the biological sciences
Strategic priorities
AIBS works toward overarching outcomes through three strategic priorities:
Scientific Peer Advisory and Review Services for research proposals and programs sponsored by funding organizations, including the federal government, state agencies, private research foundations, other non-government organizations and educate the community about the science of peer review. Publications and Communications, including reliable reports, analyses, and the peer-reviewed journal BioScience, which is a forum for integrating the life sciences and educating the public about biological sciences. Community Programs that advance the field and profession of biology while promoting and providing leadership, with a particular emphasis on public policy and advocacy, education and professional development, as well as public awareness of science.
Core Activities
The American Institute of Biological Sciences promotes the use of science to inform decision-making and advances biology for the benefit of science and society through:
● Assessment. Coordinating and facilitating expert merit-based evaluation of research proposals, ongoing research programs, and completed research efforts, as well as analyzing merit-based peer-review activities sponsored by a diverse group of research-funding organizations.
● Advocacy. Advancing biology through programs, partnerships, and advocacy with a particular emphasis on public policy that benefits and promotes the interests and diversity of the life sciences community and informed decision-making.
● Training. Providing educational training programs to scientists that enhance their professional skills and opportunities, as well as improve their ability to engage and inform diverse audiences.
● Communication. Convening communities, publishing, and sharing scientific information (through a variety of channels) with the breadth of the scientific community, decision-makers, and the public.
This work galvanizes the biology community and provides the knowledge required to solve problems of concern to society.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
AIBS is committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the biological sciences. AIBS is focusing on the development and expansion of programs that center on our core activities of assessment, training, communication, and advocacy.
Assessment
Scientific Peer Advisory and Review Services (SPARS)
The Scientific Peer Advisory and Review Services (SPARS) department is focused on coordinating, facilitating, and promoting independent, equitable evaluation processes to inform decision-making.
AIBS SPARS partners with a diverse group of organizations that are focused on a wide variety of research and funding efforts. AIBS SPARS facilitates review/advisory support services to ensure thorough and structured assessment processes are performed by vetted, qualified experts.