The activities of NAASC, in support of the Arabidopsis Community, are only possible through the dedication of the 10 volunteer, elected faculty Steering Committee and the part-time, paid Executive Director that implements all activities. NAASC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, classified as a public charity by US Tax Code. As such, all funds we raise are required, by law, to be reinvested into the mission of the non-profit organization. NAASC must raise funds to support our Arabidopsis Community initiatives and programs.

Examples of core activities for which we seek support:

  1. Organizing the International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (ICAR) when it is held in North America (currently every 3rd year)

  2. Supporting ICAR participation and function:

    1. When in North America: funding for the community mini-symposium chairs; funding for early career scholars and members of underrepresented groups to attend; funding conference costs (facilities, food/beverages, hybrid/virtual access, staff support, speaker & attendee support).

    2. When held outside North America: funding for early career scholars and members of underrepresented groups to attend; contributing to the Multinational Arabidopsis Steering Committee, as a founding member, to sustain international collaborations.

  3. Supporting Fundamental Plant Biology research and education: There are few, if any, organizations or societies that focus on advocating for funding, training, education, and outreach for the Arabidopsis community. NAASC, supporting the Arabidopsis Community, are committed to advocating for the value of fundamental (“basic”) plant biology research, training, and education centered on Arabidopsis. We organize numerous community activities on topics involving fundamental plant biology, training, and diversity equity & inclusion . These events take place at ICARs and in other venues. We seek to involve the broader community in these activities.

  4. Supporting and advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in plant sciences: Since 2004, NAASC has supported DEIB in direct funding to trainees and community members. We have continuously sought funding specifically to engage, promote, and include: members of Under-Represented Groups (URG) in US STEM and early career scholars (ECS). NAASC has directly supported 125+ members of URG via our Inclusivity Scholars Cohort Program and 500+ ECS to participate in ICARs located around the world.