June 2026
SPOTLIGHT
Office of Management (OMB) Proposes Changes to Federal Grantmaking Process
On Friday, May 29, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a proposed rule (Docket OMB-2026-0034) in the Federal Register that would revise several parts of the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. It seeks to make significant changes to the rules governing the assessment, awarding, and management of federal research grants and all other types of federal assistance. This proposed rule, if finalized, would apply government-wide, affecting agencies including NIH and NSF.
Read a summary of the proposed changes.
SfN Response to OMB Proposed Changes
SfN has issued a statement of concern and requested an extension of the comment period along with hosting an off-the-record town hall to discuss this issue with SfN members. Additionally, SfN will submit comments on the proposed rule on how it would impact SfN membership and the neuroscience community and will make those available once finalized. SfN is also collecting stories from researchers who have been impacted by slowed and delayed grants, and other federal actions.
2026 SfN Story Collection
SfN is also collecting stories from researchers who have been impacted by slowed and delayed grants, and other federal actions.
Share Your Comments with OMB Now!
Comments on the proposed rule are due by July 13, and OMB is seeking to finalize the rule with an effective date of October 1. Use the resources providing additional guidance for submitting comments. Remember, comments should be your own, objective, and substantive to ensure that they are considered and can be leveraged for future advocacy opportunities.
SfN ADVOCACY
See the latest from SfN and Coalition Partners' robust advocacy response, explore advocacy updates, and find key resources in the Advocacy Response Center. Learn More
Join fellow NeuroAdvocates on July 16, 1-2 p.m. EDT for “Maximizing Impact: Advocacy Strategies for the August Congressional Recess”. This webinar will offer strategies, best practices, and resources for engaging in advocacy during the August Congressional Recess. Register Now
SfN Participates in the Coalition for Life Sciences Life Science Fair! On June 30, SfN and a local #NeuroAdvocate exhibited at the Coalition for Life Sciences (CLS) Life Science Fair. This Fair, hosted on Capitol Hill, provides an opportunity for congress members and their offices to learn about biomedical research and the need for continued federal investment in the research enterprise.
ACROSS THE FIELD
SfN co-sponsored a Congressional Neuroscience Caucus (CNC) briefing, "Accelerating Breakthroughs in Brain Research Through the NIH BRAIN Initiative” which focused on how federally funded neuroscience research is advancing our understanding of brain disorders and delivering real-world impact for patients and families. A recording of the briefing will be available soon. Read More
Join Research!America’s learning lunch series, “Our Journeys in Science — Representation, Identity, and Purpose”, on July 15, 12:30 p.m. EDT to gain the perspectives, tools, and networks needed to thrive in science. Register Now
STAY UP TO DATE WITH SfN
Wednesday, July 15: Advance member registration and housing opens at noon EDT.
Tuesday, July 21: Advance nonmember registration and housing opens at noon EDT.
Saturday, November 14–Wednesday, November 18: Neuroscience 2026 in Washington, D.C.
