March 2026
Spotlight
Join SfN in welcoming 10 Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPAs) to the 2026 class! ECPAs will participate in SfN’s annual Capitol Hill Day this month and complete two advocacy projects at their home institutions and within their local communities.
Congress Advances FY27 Appropriations as DHS Shutdown Continues
Congress continues to advance the FY27 appropriations process ahead of the President’s Budget Request that is the week of March 30 which will outline the administration’s policy priorities. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains shut down, as lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement on FY26 funding for the agency.
SfN Advocacy
Follow Along with SfN’s Hill Day
SfN will host its 20th annual Capitol Hill Days from March 17–19. Help support neuroscience funding by and amplifying our message.
Watch: SfN Members Describe Personal Impacts From Policy Changes
A new highlights the real-life impacts that recent federal actions toward the scientific enterprise have on researchers, their work, and the biomedical research community.
SfN Advocacy Response Center Update: NIH Funding Push for FY27
Check out SfN’s Advocacy Response Center for the latest from SfN and our partners, including a recent sign-on letter led by the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research urging Congress to provide at least $51.303 billion for NIH in FY27.
Attend SfN and AAN’s Joint Webinar on Federal Funding
Register for SfN and the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN’s) joint webinar, Monday, March 30, 1–2 p.m. EDT. Attendees will learn how about the federal appropriations process, what happens during a funding lapse or government shutdown, and strategies for effective advocacy.
Across the Field
- .Watch: Luttrell's BRAIN Initiative Speech: Congressman Morgan Luttrell, co-chair of the CNC, spoke at the House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee member day in support of the BRAIN Initiative.
- OHSU Votes to Open Discussion on ONPRC Future: The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Board of Directors voted to start discussions with NIH to transition the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) into a sanctuary, which would cease research activity. Researchers at ONPRC have developed a one-pager with resources and talking points to help raise awareness.
- Research!America’s National Survey Results: Research!America’s national survey shows strong bipartisan support for investment in research and innovation. Notably, 90% of Americans believe President Trump and Congress should assign higher priority to ensuring faster medical progress.
SfN Dates and Deadlines
- 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.
