The Natural Science Collections Alliance is pleased to announce that your organization, as an Alliance member, is eligible to participate in the 2021 Biological Sciences Congressional District Visits event.
This national initiative, organized by the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), and co-sponsored by NSC Alliance, is an opportunity for scientists from across the country to meet with their federal or state elected officials to showcase the people, facilities, and equipment that are required to support and conduct scientific research.
Now in its 12th year, the event enables scientists, curators, museum professionals, and graduate students to meet with their elected officials without traveling to Washington, DC. Participating scientists can meet with their elected officials at the local district office, virtually, or may invite them to visit their research facility. Meetings will take place mid-July through October, depending on the participants schedule and their lawmaker’s availability.
We were able to share with Representative Veronica Escobar’s (D-TX) District Director what natural history collections were and how important federal funding was to museums like us. This program was a great first step to building a relationship with our local elected officials and to let them know what resources there are in the area.
-Dr. Vicky Zhuang, Biodiversity Collections Manager, University of Texas, El Paso
NSC Alliance members who participate will receive one-on-one support and online training to prepare them for their tour or meeting. The event is open to all types of natural science collections, including biological, geological, and anthropological collections.
The event is made possible by AIBS, with the support of event sponsors American Society of Plant Taxonomists, Botanical Society of America, Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, Helminthological Society of Washington, Natural Science Collections Alliance, and Organization of Biological Field Stations.
Participation is free, but registration is required and will close on July 14, 2021. For more information and to register, visit io.aibs.org/cdv.