The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) has launched an online 'toolbox' to help scientists establish relationships with US congressional representatives.

The toolbox (http://tinyurl.com/kt8mg8) includes templates for meeting requests and follow-up letters; brochures and articles that promote research funding; and talking points on the importance of biomedical research.

FASEB argues that there is a critical need for science advocacy in the United States, especially with stimulus-funded biomedical research investments expiring next year. “The economic times right now are quite difficult and we are concerned about the need to sustain growth,” says president Mark Lively.