Charting a Strategic Course for a Scientific Society

Client Context

The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)—a globally recognized nonprofit advancing discovery in the life sciences—was approaching a critical moment of reflection. With science undergoing rapid institutional, political, and technological change, ASCB’s leadership recognized the need for a bold new strategic direction.

As an organization that serves thousands of scientists, educators, and advocates around the world, ASCB sought to better understand its evolving landscape, clarify its strategic priorities, and reimagine how it could lead within the broader research and public policy ecosystem. Questions of diversity, inclusion, funding pressures, generational change, and shifting societal trust in science loomed large. It was time to chart a new path forward—one grounded in science, community, and structural renewal.

The Challenge

ASCB’s Board of Directors and executive leadership were aligned in their desire to produce a modern, credible strategic plan—but the process needed to do more than identify priorities. It needed to:

• Bridge diverse voices across membership, leadership, and staff

• Integrate insights from both scientific and organizational domains

• Grapple honestly with tensions around tradition, innovation, and inclusion

• Produce a usable, actionable plan that would support long-term growth

Strategic questions included:

• How should ASCB define and strengthen its identity in a fragmented scientific landscape?

• What role should ASCB play in addressing racial and gender disparities in the field?

• How can ASCB increase member engagement and intergenerational leadership?

• What organizational changes are needed to support strategic execution?

The stakes were high: the process had to honor ASCB’s history while preparing it for a more dynamic, equitable, and influential future.

The Symphonic Approach

Symphonic Strategies was selected to lead a structured, facilitated strategic planning process. Our model balanced strategic discipline with deep inclusion, ensuring both credibility and commitment from the ASCB community. The work unfolded across four interlocking components:

1. Strategic Situation Assessment

We conducted a comprehensive landscape analysis, reviewing over 30 internal and external documents and engaging key ASCB stakeholders. The assessment surfaced external drivers—including funding volatility, DEI imperatives, and the evolving role of societies—as well as internal dynamics around governance, communications, and culture.

2. Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement

We conducted focus groups and one-on-one interviews with ASCB members, board leaders, and staff. The engagement surfaced core organizational tensions and untapped opportunities—particularly around internal cohesion, membership growth, and future-facing science policy leadership.

3. Scenario Planning and Strategic Options 

Using scenario techniques, we developed multiple paths for the organization to explore. These allowed ASCB to test assumptions, identify trade-offs, and engage in candid conversations about risk, relevance, and readiness.

4. Strategy Development and Alignment

From this input, we crafted a strategic framework including vision, goals, and priority initiatives. The plan featured clear implementation pathways and reinforced the infrastructure needed for execution—particularly in areas like data strategy, board governance, and communications.

The Impact

ASCB adopted a refreshed strategic plan that provided clear direction and renewed energy across the organization.

Key outcomes included:

Clarity of Vision

The plan helped ASCB refine its identity and voice as a scientific society that values both excellence and equity.

Governance and Leadership Alignment

Board members, senior staff, and committee chairs used the new strategy to guide decision-making, streamline communications, and support transparent oversight.

Member Engagement

The plan emphasized relational connection and inclusion—especially for early-career scientists, scholars of color, and those in underrepresented fields.

Strategic Agility

With a clear roadmap and integrated decision-making tools, ASCB built internal capacity to respond to new opportunities and navigate complexity with intention.

Most importantly, the plan positioned ASCB to expand its impact across scientific research, public education, and advocacy—cementing its role as a 21st-century leader in the cell biology field.

Reflections

This engagement illustrated how even longstanding institutions can lead boldly when they’re willing to ask hard questions and listen with humility. Symphonic’s facilitation created space for reflection, strategy, and cohesion—giving ASCB a strong foundation for the future.

Since adoption, the organization has continued to refine its operational metrics, embed equity across program areas, and explore new models for member value and public outreach.

Client Voice 

“Symphonic helped us pause, reflect, and reconnect with who we are and what we’re called to become. The process honored our complexity and gave us clarity.” — ASCB Board Member (anonymous)