Many of you have reached out to ask if ASM could do something about the recent governmental turmoil in federal agencies. In response, ASM has proudly signed on to multiple statements and letters emphasizing our commitment to both science and human diversity. But, for those who have lost jobs, grants or contracts, this is poor solace. We emphasize with you and want you to know that you are a valued member of our scientific and professional community.
Accordingly, I am proud to announce that the Board of Directors of ASM has considered these issues and has agreed to offer a one-time hardship grant to partly defray expenses associated with attendance at the 104th Annual Meeting at Purdue University. This will consist of $1000 in travel/housing support, plus defrayed registration (ca $475), for a total of 15 awards. Requests will be limited to those who have been ASM members for 2 or more years, have had their jobs or grant funds frozen or retracted by recent federal actions. We will allocate assistance on a first-come-first-served basis, with priority given to regular ASM meeting attendees. Please email our business manager, Christy Class (cclassi@mammalsociety.org), who will tell you how to proceed.
While this is a drop in the bucket compared to what many of you have or are facing, it underscores our support for you and our desire for you to remain part of our community.
We are reopening abstract submission for the 2025 annual meeting to allow those of you who wish to present a talk or poster to do so. Note that you do not have to give a presentation to apply for these funds. In addition, we are aware of the uncertainty facing many of our international members (both those working in the US and abroad) regarding travel to - and within - the US. We recognize this has prevented some of our members from registering for the meeting out of caution as they wait to see how the landscape evolves. In response to this and to accommodate those taking advantage of the funding opportunity we will be reopening abstract submission until the 1st of June and allowing for a full refund of registration until 14 June.
Felisa A. Smith, Ph.D.
President, American Society of Mammalogists