Message from ASBMR President Mary L. Bouxsein, Ph.D. – May 18, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

Thanks to all of you who submitted an abstract for the Annual Meeting last week.  We appreciate your patience and persistence with the submission website issues. We saw a 14% increase in submissions compared with last year. We will again be offering a host of travel awards for early- and mid-stage investigators, including family assistance grants – so get ready to pack your bags. I can’t wait to see you and learn about your new science this October in Vancouver!

ASBMR Awarded a NIDDK R25 Grant to Promote Diversity
Infusing diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of ASBMR is one of our top strategic priorities. To that end, it is my pleasure to share the wonderful news the Society has been awarded an R25 grant from NIDDK to enhance workforce diversity in the bone, mineral and musculoskeletal field.  Led by Rhonda Prisby, PhD, with co-PI’s Chris Hernandez, PhD, and myself, this grant will provide more than $700,000 over the next five years for initiatives to attract, retain, and advance individuals who are underrepresented in our field. Thank you to all of the ASBMR members who supported the application and provided their feedback. We are thrilled to kick off this program, stay tuned for more details this summer!

Esteemed Award Deadline is May 19th
Time's running out! The nomination deadline for consideration for a 2023 Esteemed Award is approaching fast. Don't miss your chance to recognize the incredible individuals who have advanced our field. Submit your nominations by 11:59 PM EDT, May 19^th and help honor the excellence, dedication, and achievement of our outstanding colleagues.

Of special note, this year ASBMR has added a new esteemed award. The Early Career Clinical Investigator Esteemed Award honoring Robert Marcus, MD recognizes a member conducting clinical research who has completed their professional degree, residency training or equivalent within the past 15 years. Visit the ASBMR website to learn more.

May Is National Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month
Join ASBMR in recognizing Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month! Take this opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your stories about how osteoporosis has impacted you professionally or personally. The Society is posting your stories and osteoporosis content via our social media platforms through the end of May. Follow along and interact with us by using the hashtags #OAPM2023 #OsteoporosisAwareness #BoneHealth.

Underrepresented Minority (URM) Mentorship Awards – APPLY by JUNE 12
Finally, applications are still being accepted for the Society’s URM Mentorship Awards! This program is designed to provide support and guidance for underrepresented minority students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career faculty and clinicians wanting to advance their career in bone and mineral research. Award recipients will get the chance to work with experts in the field and forge life-long relationships with like-minded professionals. Selected applicants will also receive funding to help offset costs to the 2023 ASBMR Annual Meeting. To learn more, please visit the ASBMR website. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 12^th.

Sincerely,
Mary L. Bouxsein, Ph.D.
ASBMR President

The letters below are thoughts and comments from recent ASBMR presidents on the Society and their term. Read the letters to obtain a greater understanding of the Society and its role as a leader in the bone and mineral field.