Fischell Department of Bioengineering (BIOE) Associate Professor Edward Eisenstein has been elected president of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). Eisenstein was named a 2025 ASBMB Fellow earlier this year, one of the society’s highest honors recognizing outstanding contributions to the field and service to the scientific community.

Eisenstein will begin his four-year leadership term this July, serving one year as president-elect, two years as president, and one year as past-president. The ASBMB president is the society’s chief elected officer, chairs the Council, and serves on the Executive Committee.

“I can’t express how honored and grateful I am to be recognized by my peers and chosen to lead this over a century-old learned scientific society and its 12,000 members,” Eisenstein said. It is such a privilege to help shape the future of the organization, the field, and science –especially now, when scientific societies are more important than ever to articulate the indisputable value of foundational research.”

Eisenstein also serves as associate director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Center and is a fellow at the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR). His research group engineers poplar trees to enhance traits for bioenergy production, focusing on disease resistance, nutrient cycling, and environmental resilience.

Eisenstein has been a dedicated member of ASBMB since joining as a graduate student in 1989. Over the years, he has served on the Council, Outreach Committee, Membership Committee, and editorial board of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

“My ASBMB mentors made a difference by encouraging me to pursue scientific knowledge, from the mechanisms of allosteric enzymes to regulatory networks in poplar trees, and inspired me to innovate as a teacher, advisor, and administrator.”

In addition to his service within the society, Eisenstein has played an active role in shaping ASBMB’s current strategic plan and remains committed to expanding public understanding of science.

“Because the world relies on ASBMB for evidence-based solutions to grand challenges in the life sciences, not only will I continue to help coordinate with broad coalitions to amplify our advocacy messages, but I will work with members and staff to creatively educate and engage with public stakeholders so that everyone understands the indisputable value of research, training, and the integrity of scientists,” he said.