|
Dear Members of the Animal Behavior Society,
Recent rapid changes in U.S. policy regarding support for science and for researchers of different identities have been swift and their full impact is still unfolding. A number of these changes are harming members of our society and changing the landscape of our academic and scientific work.
We reaffirm that the values of the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) remain unchanged: we continue to support animal behavior research and all our members. Our society and our collective work in research, teaching, and service are strengthened by a diverse membership. We celebrate the contributions of individuals of all nationalities, cultures, religions, ethnicities, races, abilities, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and gender expressions. ABS remains committed to providing resources for researchers of all backgrounds, including programs that uplift underrepresented scholars and foster safe, inclusive spaces.
Our support for scientists at all career stages remains steadfast. ABS advances research through the co-publication of our highly ranked journal Animal Behaviour, sponsorship of plenaries and symposia at our annual meeting, and a range of educational and outreach initiatives. Our student research grants recognize excellence across a broad community of scholars, and our travel awards help researchers from diverse backgrounds, career stages, and nationalities participate in our annual meeting. In recent years, we have expanded our support for historically excluded researchers and will continue to do so.
How You Can Contribute
To assess the impact of recent events on our work and members, we need to hear from you. Your feedback directly informs ABS actions to better support your science, teaching, and career development. This week, you will receive a ballot for the officers' elections—please make your vote count. Later this spring, you will receive a survey asking about your priorities for the Society and how ABS can support you. Your responses will help us support the needs of researchers, educators, and students alike. In addition, please plan to attend the annual meeting in Baltimore to connect in person with your colleagues.
Members in the U.S. can also share their individual perspectives and experiences with their Congressional representatives. You can find your elected officials here. Phone calls are more effective than emails. The American Institute of Biological Sciences has a page that tracks relevant policy.
Our community and our science thrive when everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. These are challenging times, but ABS remains committed to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives drive scientific discovery, education, mentorship, and outreach. We encourage you to engage, connect, and help build a future that reflects our shared dedication to inclusion and excellence.
In solidarity,
| 
