CLS has a two part mission,

develop strong science policy recommendations and

ADVOCATE

for a strong US life science sector.

Our advocacy takes several forms:

  • A personal visit program which encourages scientists to establish a substantive relationship with their Representatives and staffs by arranging and providing support for visits in the Member’s district office or in the laboratory of the scientist.
  • Motivation and support of scientists to submit opinion pieces advocating for federal support of biomedical research to their local newspapers, emphasizing the contributions of biomedical research to the local community.
  • Coordination of the advocacy efforts of major scientific societies across the life sciences.

CLS members advocate by:

  • Writing letters to their Members of Congress.
  • Authoring opinion pieces for the local news media.
  • Building local support for biomedical research by meeting with community groups.
  • Visiting their Representatives and/or staff in local districts or Washington, D.C.
  • Encouraging other scientists to speak out.

We understand.  Most scientists have little experience interacting with their elected officials and would prefer to leave such tasks to others. But scientists have a responsibility to use their voice as constituents to educate lawmakers on sound science policy. There is real power in numbers; thus we volunteer our time and we hope you will yours.