Mary-Ann Bjornsti, Ph.D.Mary-Ann Bjornsti, Ph.D., professor and former chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, begins her term July 1 as president of the largest coalition of biological and biomedical research associations in the United States, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, also known as FASEB.
Bjornsti, the Newman H. Waters Chair of Clinical Pharmacology, has served as associate director for Translational Research at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. Her research interests are in the mechanisms of anti-cancer drug action and the pathways that regulate tumor growth and cellular responses to replicative stress.
FASEB, located near the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the most powerful forces for science in America. It is composed of 26 societies with more than 110,000 researchers worldwide. FASEB promotes research through collaborative advocacy as the voice for the basic biomedical research community. Each year, FASEB assesses the needs of that community and makes budget recommendations to Congress in support of the federal agencies that are tasked with securing America’s health and well-being.
FASEB also offers opinions to Congress on potential legislation, budget allocations and regulations regarding the practice of science, and it shares insights with federal agencies regarding policies that impact biomedical research.
“I am honored to take on this expanded role in FASEB,” Bjornsti said. “I look forward to working with a dedicated team of leaders and staff to leverage their talents, expertise and energy to carry out our mission to advance health and well-being by promoting research and education in the biological and biomedical sciences.”
Bjornsti stepped down as Pharmacology and Toxicology chair at the end of 2022 to focus on her ongoing research interests, mentorship opportunities, her leadership role within the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and her FASEB responsibilities.
Bjornsti has been an active member of FASEB for several years, having served as president-elect in 2022-23, vice president for Science Policy in 2021-22 and vice president-elect for Science Policy in 2020-21. She is also a member of three FASEB member societies: the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Genetics Society of America, and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
At UAB, Pharmacology and Toxicology is a department in the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.