ASPB represented plant biology research at the Congressional Life Science Fair on Capitol Hill on July 19, 2023, in the Rayburn House Office Building. This event was hosted by The Coalition for Life Sciences (CLS) and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). The purpose of this event was to showcase the positive impact of federal investment in research through hands-on experiments. The event hosted approximately 100 attendees, primarily Congressional staffers and one Member of Congress, Representative Valerie Foushee of North Carolina.
ASBP prepared two hands-on experiments, a seed dissection, and a seed cup necklace, to show the structure of seeds and how plants germinate. For the seed dissection, lima beans were dissected to show the location of the seed’s embryo, cotyledon, and seed coat. The purpose of each part of the seed was also explained to attendees. For the seed cup necklace, attendees received a small cup of soil with a choice of radish, lettuce, or carrot seeds. Over time the seeds will germinate and, when repotted, can produce vegetables. Attendees also had the opportunity to track the growth of their plants.
Other organizations present at the Congressional Life Science Fair included: Academy for Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Society for Cell Biology, American Society for Human Genetics, Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Entomological Society of America, Genetics Society of America, The Jackson Laboratory, National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research, Society for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Chicago.
Written by Jasmine Yu, Ph.D.- Policy Advisor, Clear Path and ASPB ECR, Science Policy Committee