February 2026
Spotlight
Congress Passes FY26 LHHS and CJS Appropriations Bills
Congress passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS)appropriations bill, which finalized funding levels and key provisions for NIH. Overall, the package represents a strong bipartisan commitment to investing in research and prioritizing the nation’s public health infrastructure. The bill includes:
- $47.2 billion for NIH’s base budget, a $415 million increase over FY25
- $429 million for the BRAIN Initiative, including $195 million in 21st Century Cures Act transfers, plus a $4 million increase above existing base funding,, a $108 million increase over FY25;
- $1.5 billion for APRA-H (level with FY25) and $30 million for the National Primate Research Centers.
The package prohibits changes to facilities and administrative cost reimbursement rates without congressional approval, and bars any increase in multiyear (forward)-funded grants beyond FY25 levels. This language will prevent higher rates that were anticipated for FY26.
Additionally, Congress passed the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations bill, providing $8.75 billion in funding for NSF, a $310 million decrease from FY25. Both bills were signed into law by President Trump.
SfN Advocacy
SfN and Coalition Partners Continue Robust Advocacy Response
Check out the from SfN and our partners, including a recent statement from the Coalition for Health Funding regarding the passage of the FY26 LHHS appropriations bill.
Attend SfN’s Virtual Advocacy Training Program
Register to attend SfN’s virtual Advocacy Training Program, Wednesday, March 4, noon–1:30 p.m. EST. Attendees will learn how to become an effective advocate and gain the necessary skills to work with their communities and policymakers to advance neuroscience research and discovery.
SfN Comments on Proposed ORIVA and OREPA Establishment
SfN submitted comments to NIH’s Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI), on behalf of the Society’s Committee on Animals in Research Chair David Beversdorf, MD, regarding the proposed establishment of the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA). The proposal aims to coordinate NIH-wide efforts to develop, validate, and scale the use of non-animal research approaches.
Read: SfN Advocacy Highlights From 2025
In 2025, SfN united members locally, nationally, and internationally to raise global support for investment in basic research and neuroscience discovery. Explore the year’s biggest advocacy highlights.
Read: SfN Chapters Advocate in Uncertain Landscape
Advocacy is not a one-time effort — it is an ongoing commitment that sustains the future of neuroscience. Learn why sustained advocacy matters, how individual scientists and chapters can make a meaningful impact, and how SfN can support your efforts.
Across the Field
- Watch: NIH Director Testifies Before Senate HELP Committee:NIH Director Jayanta Bhattacharya, MD, PhD testified at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, “Modernizing the National Institutes of Health: Faster Discoveries, More Cures,” He addressed the use of animal models in research, advisory councils, grant funding delays, multi-year funding, and more.
- FBR Releases New Animals in Research Brochure: Check out the Foundation for Biomedical Research’s (FBR) Animal Research Success brochure., highlighting the lifesaving medical breakthroughs made possible through the responsible and ethical use of animal research.
SfN Dates and Deadlines
- Thursday, February 19, 5 p.m. EST: Deadline to submit your Neuroscience Networking Event for a chance to receive a complimentary meeting space in an SfN headquarter hotel or the convention center.
- Wednesday, May 27–Wednesday, June 10: #SfN26 Abstract submission period.
- Wednesday, July 15: Advance member registration opens at noon EDT.
- Saturday, November 14–Wednesday, November 18: Neuroscience 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C.
