Advocacy Network News

Spotlight

SfN Continues to Respond to Federal Policies Impacting Biomedical Research

Check out the latest response from SfN and our partners, including recent statements and action alerts advocating for robust funding for biomedical research in FY26. 

Congress Passes CR and Three Final FY26 Spending Bills 

Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) through January 30 and three spending bills: MilCon-VA, Agriculture-FDA, and the Legislative Branch, ending the shutdown. NIH and NSF funding remains at FY25 levels until January 30 or final FY26 legislation passes. The deal restores pay for furloughed federal workers, reverses layoffs, and blocks new layoffs through January 30. Policies governing research F&A costs and NIH structure remain unchanged, and there are no limits on forward-funding NIH grants. The FY26 MilCon-VA bill includes $945 million for the Medical and Prosthetics Research Program (same as FY25). It retains language (Sec. 247) restricting the use of canine, feline, and NHP use in VA-funded research, requiring the Secretary to implement a plan to eliminate such research by Sept. 20, 2026. SfN is actively working with coalition partners to address this consequential language. 

SfN News

Apply Now! Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPA)Program Applications 

Undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students, as well as recent PhD/MD recipients, are encouraged to apply to this 10-month program. The ECPA Program offers early career scientists the opportunity to enhance their advocacy skills with the neuroscience community, policymakers, and the public. Applications are open until Wednesday, January 7.

Highlights From SfN Advocacy Events at Neuroscience 2025

SfN's annual meeting in San Diego featured many impactful advocacy events, including Five Early Career Policy Ambassadors, who presented their advocacy work during the Early Career Poster session. Additionally, the Animals in Research Panel consisted of an expert panel, including a patient advocate who shared the role of how animal models contributed to research that led to his treatment of severe depression. At the Advocacy Forum, attendees heard from experts on the importance of cross-industry collaboration. If you attended these events, please complete the Animals in Research Panel feedback survey and the Advocacy Forum survey to help SfN improve them each year. 

AAN/SfN Joint Forum: Neuroscience Research in Times of Uncertainty 

Watch the webinar held by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and SfN about the federal appropriations process and advocacy actions neuroscientists can engage in. Panelists included SfN Past President John H. Morrison, PhD, and SfN Government and Public Affairs Committee Chair and SfN Past President Diane Lipscombe, PhD. 

CDC Reportedly Ending Primate Research Activities 

The Department of Health and Human Services has directed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to end primate research activities and retire its current colony of approximately 200 macaques, , used in HIV prevention, hepatitis, and infectious disease studies. The fate of the monkeys — is unclear; some may be transferred to primate sanctuaries, and others may be euthanized. Americans for Medical Progress released a statement affirming the importance of responsibly rehoming and retiring eligible animals involved in research and recognizing the extensive planning, resources, and expertise required to do so safely.

SfN Members Speak to NPR About Funding and Career Challenges Facing Researchers 

On NPR's nationally syndicated radio program All Things Considered, SfN Past President John Morrison, SfN Past President and Government and Public Affairs Committee Chair Diane Lipscombe, and former ECPA Clara Zundel spoke to Jon Hamilton about the funding and career challenges facing the neuroscience community. 

Impacted by Federal Administration Actions? Share Your Story! 

SfN continues to support Americans for Medical Research, an exciting campaign highlighting NIH’s vital role. If you’re in Kansas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, or Utah and have been impacted by NIH funding cuts or budget uncertainty, contact advocacy@sfn.org to join a non-partisan media initiative. Media training is provided, and anonymity can be arranged. Check out recent stories shared by SfN members. 

• Sunday December 21: The #SfN25 virtual component closes.
• Tuesday, December 9–Wednesday, January 21: The sessions and events call for proposals period. 
• Friday, February 6: Deadline to nominate yourself or a colleague for SfN committee and Council positions.
• Wednesday, May 27–Wednesday, June 10: Abstract submission period.
• Saturday, November 14–Wednesday, November 18: Neuroscience 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.