top of page

April 6, 2020

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) is an international nonprofit scientific and educational organization. With over 11,000 members, made up of students, researchers, educators and industry professionals, the ASBMB is one of the largest molecular life science societies in the world.


Founded in 1906, the ASBMB’s mission is to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology and to promote the understanding of the molecular nature of life processes.


On April 6, 2020, ASBMB issued a position statement on Foreign Influences to Research Integrity. "While ASBMB recognizes the substantial efforts undertaken by federal funding agencies, universities and research institutions to address the issue of foreign influence to research integrity, ...We must strike a balance between protecting research, while continuing to promote international collaboration." the statement says.


"Of particular concern regarding federal agency responses is the lack of guidance and transparency from the NIH. Since instances of foreign influence have come to light in 2018, the NIH has initiated thousands of investigations on scientists who they suspect of intellectual property theft, conflicts of interest, or peer review violations. While some incidents of research violation or intellectual property have been publicized, the NIH has not been transparent with the scientific community about internal changes to their review or oversight process. In addition to the lack of transparency, there have been numerous cases of scientists being wrongfully accused of espionage or intellectual property theft. Fear within the scientific community of being targeted as a result of race or identify has proliferated. The NIH must be transparent about their actions and processes and offer guidelines to the scientific community to appease these fears."


ASBMB has taken further actions to protest the politicization and cancellation of the NIH research grant to the EcoHealth Alliance. See more at NIH Grant Politicized. At the end of August 2020, several media reported a new grant was awarded although there were questions on the conditions possibly imposed in the new grant. 

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has protested the politicization and cancellation of an NIH research grant.

ASBMB Protests Racially Motivated Cancellation of Research Grant

ASBMB Protests Racially Motivated Cancellation of Research Grant
bottom of page