Advocacy Network Newsletter

Tell Congress to pass appropriations for FY 2022 and reject CRs

Join your fellow NeuroAdvocates and tell Congress to pass FY 2022 appropriations packages by September 30 and to reject the use of Continuing Resolutions! Send your Representative and Senators a message via SfN’s Advocacy Action Center and personalize it by including why predictable funding for biomedical research is important to you.

SfN Hosts First ECPA Congressional Days

Members of the 2021 Early Career Policy Ambassadors class participated in SfN’s first ever ECPA congressional days in late August. In total, ten ECPAs across eight states met virtually with their congressional offices, taking part in 18 meetings. They discussed the pivotal research they conduct, the importance of continued and robust funding for biomedical research, and the critical need for the use of animals in research, including non-human primates. ECPAs who participated gained valuable experience advocating for important issues that affect SfN members, and SfN thanks them for their efforts!

NSF Releases American Rescue Plan and COVID-19 Response Update

The NSF has created a toolkit detailing their American Rescue Plan (ARP) and COVID-19 update. The document outlines guiding principles for how NSF has allocated over $112 million ARP research recovery funds to the groups most affected by the pandemic, including funding over 365 awards. The plan also includes the funding breakdown and impact stories.

NIH Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan

The NIH has released their strategic plan for fiscal years 2021-2025, outlining their vision for biomedical research direction, capacity, and stewardship over the next five years, as well as highlighting NIH's highest priorities and new initiatives. There is an increased emphasis on advancing biomedical and behavioral sciences, included in Objective 1 of the report.

The GetReal! Podcast Explores the Ethics of Using Animals in Research

The latest GetReal! podcast, hosted by Dr. Cindy Buckmaster, brings forward the dilemma many have of supporting the use of animals in research while also being animal lovers. From the perspective of two mothers who have sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), listeners can hear why they support the ethical use of animals in biomedical research as it relates to their experiences.

Register for the 2021 National Health Research Forum

Research!America is hosting their 2021 National Health Research Forum, Straight Talk: Fighting Health Threats Faster, virtually on Monday, September 13 to Wednesday, September 15. Notable guest speakers include NIH Director, Francis Collins, NSF Director, Sethuraman Panchanathan, and other top science officials and congressional leaders. Register to participate here. 

Applications Now Open for the Civic Engagement Microgrant Program

Research!America has announced the applications for their fourth annual Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, open now. Microgrants of up to $4,000 will be awarded to graduate student and postdoc-led groups in the STEM and social sciences to design projects to create dialogue with public officials, local community leaders, and the public around issues of common concern. Applications are due by Monday, October 4th.

SfN Advocacy Resources

• Introduce yourself to the new Congress via the Advocacy Action Center.
• Watch the Neuroscientist's Guide to Advocacy series to understand the tools you need to help advance the field.
• Learn how to engage your members of Congress and persuasively advocate for science with SfN's Advocacy Best Practices.
• Get involved in global advocacy.
• Talk to the public about the importance of animal research.
• Reach out to advocacy@sfn.org for assistance in preparing for your next advocacy effort at home or on Capitol Hill.