Advocacy

Empowering Our Members: Your Voice Shapes Anatomical Science Policy

American Association for Anatomy (AAA) understands that the success and growth of our field depends not only on our members' groundbreaking research and educational initiatives but also on the legislative policies that shape the landscape of anatomical sciences. That's why we place our members at the heart of our advocacy efforts, working tirelessly to protect and promote your interests as professionals in this dynamic field.

Advocacy Letters

AAA periodically signs on to advocacy letters supporting or opposing specific pieces of legislation, policy, or actions proposed or enacted by Congress, the administration, or others. The AAA Board of Directors votes to decide whether our name should be added to letters. These letters to lawmakers and government officials help to clearly communicate the organization's position, reflecting members' expertise and interests. Participation in any such letter requires Board approval, whether authored or co-signed by the Association. Selected advocacy letters include:

• Coalition Urges $1.7 Billion Investment in ARPA-H to Safeguard America's Biomedical Future (2025)
• Research Community Unites in Support of Federally Funded Research (2025)
• Vision for American Science and Technology (2024)
• Joint Letter to the Senate to Request Federal Support for Scientific Research with Nonhuman Primates
•  Medicare-supported graduate medical education positions
• Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research

Links to co-signed letters may reside on a non-AAA domain or website.

Position Statements

An important aspect of successful advocacy is using a unified voice. The Board of Directors, with input from members and staff, develops timely and relevant position statements when necessary. Because AAA represents all anatomical sciences and members in various settings, position papers are important tools for:

• establishing and clarifying positions
• providing background and information on those positions
• educating those outside the discipline seeking expert viewpoints on issues important to them

Selected Positions

• The Donation of Bodies for Education & Biomedical Research
• Cadaver dissection is essential as a learning tool
• AAAS Statement on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility 
• AAA Pressroom
• Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM

FASEB

As a member society of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), members are represented by a powerful public affairs and advocacy organization. The FASEB Office of Public Affairs (OPA) works with AAA and other representatives of FASEB's member societies to develop and promote policies to advance research and education in the biological and biomedical sciences. FASEB focuses on priority areas of clinical and translational research, animals in research and education, training and career opportunities, and data science and informatics.

Our Team. Your Advocate.

As your trusted partner and representative, we actively engage with policymakers, media, and the public to ensure your voice is heard and your concerns are addressed. Our dedicated leadership and staff collaborate closely with you, our valued members, to craft compelling messages that resonate with legislators and stakeholders alike. 
Whether we advocate for increased funding for anatomical research, supporting educational initiatives, or opposing policies that may hinder your work, we are committed to being your steadfast advocate on Capitol Hill and beyond.
At AAA, we believe that by equipping you with the tools, resources, and support you need to communicate the importance of your work effectively, we can collectively drive positive change and secure a bright future for the anatomical sciences.

Join us in our advocacy efforts!

Together, we will shape the policies impacting anatomical sciences, ensuring your interests are protected and preserved. 

To learn more about the important advocacy work of the American Association for Anatomy, please contact us.