Advocacy Network News

SPOTLIGHT

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Proposes Changes to Peer Review

On August 14, NIH released a request for information (RFI) on a proposal that would limit access to peer review scores and percentiles currently available to grant applicants, NIH staff, institute leadership, and advisory councils. While SfN supports efforts to strengthen NIH decision-making, the Society believes the proposal could decrease the role of scientific judgment in funding decisions and reduce transparency and accountability throughout the funding process. 

Read a summary of the proposed changes.

Response From SfN to the NIH Proposed Changes

SfN issued a statement of concern, as well as a more detailed statement addressing key concerns with the proposed changes found in the NIH RFI. Additionally, SfN submitted comments on the proposal on how it would impact SfN members and the broader neuroscience community.

Join fellow NeuroAdvocates and continue the momentum by submitting comments to NIH on the proposed changes to peer review by October 13. Personalized comments describing how peer review scores, percentiles, and reviewer feedback have informed your grant submissions, resubmissions, mentoring, or service in the review process can be particularly impactful. 

Submit Comments to NIH

SfN ADVOCACY

SfN and Coalition Partners Continue Robust Advocacy Response. Check out the latest from SfN and coalition partners. Advocacy Response Center

SfN hosted its sixth annual Early Career Policy Ambassador (ECPA) Congressional Days. ECPAs met with their congressional offices to discuss blocking the proposed OMB rule, the importance of continued and robust funding for biomedical research, and the continued use of animals in biomedical research. This year, nine ECPAs from nine states participated in 20 meetings. Applications for the 2027 program open November 9. ECPA Program

Becky Whitney and Dan Leman, PhD (current ECPA) meet with Rep. Jake Auchincloss' (D-MA) office during the 2026 ECPA Congressional Days.

ADVOCACY EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES AT NEUROSCIENCE 2026

Attend the Early Career Poster Session where current ECPAs will present their advocacy work from the past year. WCC Halls A-C, 6:45–8:45 p.m.

Attend the Animals in Research Panel to hear experts discuss current New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) techniques, how they can complement animal model use, and best practices for integrating NAMs into ongoing research programs. WCC Rm 206, 10–11:30 a.m.

The Advocacy Forum: A Congressional Neuroscience Caucus Briefing offers the opportunity to hear from panelists on the latest breakthroughs in gene therapies for treating neurological developmental disorders and the role of policymakers and advocacy in continuing progress. Rayburn House Office Building Room 2168, 1–2:30 p.m. RSVP here

Interested in meeting with congressional offices while you’re in Washington, D.C? Complete this form so our team can share key talking points and help you prepare. Meet with Congressional Offices

ACROSS THE FIELD

The U.S. Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus, started by Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO), aims to highlight and elevate American scientific research and the application of those discoveries to promote innovation. U.S. Bipartisan Science and Innovation Caucus

SfN co-sponsored a Congressional Neuroscience Caucus (CNC) briefing, "Psychedelics in Brain Health: From Promise to Practice” which focused on both the therapeutic potential and the practical challenges of translating psychedelic research into safe, evidence-based treatments that improve outcomes for individuals living with brain disorders and mental health conditions. CNC Briefing

SfN co-sponsored a congressional briefing, “The Power of Animals for Clinical Innovation” with People for Effective and Ethical Research (PEER). Experts, including former SfN President John Morrison, PhD, discussed how animal research remains an essential part of the drug development to patient use pipeline.

SfN Advocacy participated in PEER’s second annual Hill Day, joining fellow advocates in discussing the importance of animals in research with congressional offices alongside the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs).

STAY UP TO DATE WITH SfN

The #SfN26 Neuroscience Meeting Planner is now available. Head to SfN.org/nmp to browse Neuroscience 2026 sessions, presentations, authors, curated itineraries, and more. Neuroscience Meeting Planner 

Thursday, November 5: #SfN26 registrants can access the virtual component.

Friday, November 13, 1–5:30 p.m. EST: Register for the Responsible Conduct of Research Short Course — From Algorithms to Accountability: Responsible Use of AI in Neuroscience.

Saturday, November 14–Wednesday, November 18: Neuroscience 2026 in Washington, D.C.

January 2027: Applications open for the Neuroscience Scholars Program, a two-year online training program to support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers through mentorship, career development resources, and a supportive network dedicated to your success.