November 2025
Spotlight
SfN Responds to Federal Policies Impacting Biomedical Research
Check out the latest response from SfN and our partners, including recent sign-on letters advocating for robust funding for biomedical research in FY26.
Federal Government Shutdown Continues Following End of FY25
Congress failed to pass full-year appropriations or come to an agreement on a continuing resolution ahead of the October 1 deadline, prompting a federal government shutdown. While there is no clear plan to reopen the government, SfN is urging Congress to end the shutdown to avoid long-term negative impacts on biomedical research and further instability within the research enterprise. Join SfN and fellow NeuroAdvocates in calling on Congress to reopen the government and provide full funding for research in FY26.
Advocacy Opportunity: Impacted by Federal Administration Actions? Share Your Story!
SfN and its partners are currently seeking impacted researchers in Louisiana, Texas, West Virginia, Alabama, and North Carolina to join a non-partisan media campaign. Media training is provided, and anonymity can be arranged. Additionally, if you are from a different state but still have a story to share, please reach out. Contact advocacy@sfn.org to share your story.
SfN News
Now Open! Early Career Policy Ambassadors Program Applications
Apply now for SfN's Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPA) Program. 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 close Wednesday, January 7.
SfN Participates in PEER Hill Day
SfN joined the People for Effective and Ethical Research (PEER) for a Capitol Hill Day to discuss the importance of the continued responsible and ethical use of animals in research with policymakers. In total, 22 members of PEER participated in the Capitol Hill Day, holding 23 meetings across both the House and Senate. PEER is a coalition of research organizations and institutions dedicated to advocating for ethical 21st-century biomedical research.
Neuroscience 2025 Advocacy Opportunities
-
Early Career Poster Session. SDCC Halls C–H, Saturday, November 15, 6:45–8:45 p.m. PST. Stop by Saturday's poster session to learn more about the advocacy activities ECPAs have led throughout the year. Browse the list of poster presenters and their poster location.
-
Animals in Research Panel: From Animal Studies to Human Treatment: The Role of Animal Models in Neuroscience Discoveries. Room 16, Monday, November 17, 10–11:30 a.m. PST. This panel will explore the evolution of deep brain stimulation in shaping therapies for psychiatric illnesses and the importance of collaborative, cross-border work with animal research in bringing life-changing treatments to reality.
Support contributed by the National Primate Research Centers.
- The Advocacy Forum: Advocating Together: The Role of Cross-Sector Collaboration with Changing U.S. Priorities. SDCC Room 16, Tuesday, November 18, 1–2:30 p.m. PST. Hear from panelists about the role of cross-sector collaboration in advancing biomedical research, and learn how to apply current advocacy strategies in a changing political landscape.
Across the Field
- Research!America Civic Science Funding Opportunities: Join Research!America, Friday, November 7, 3 p.m. EST or Wednesday, November 12, 4 p.m. EST for information sessions on their Civic Engagement Microgrant and the Public Engagement Content Awards. Both programs will be discussed at both sessions.
Key SfN Dates and Deadlines
-
November 6–December 21: The #SfN25 virtual component is open.
-
November 14, 1–5:30 p.m. PST: Register for the Responsible Conduct of Research Workshop — Empowered Mentorship: Thriving as a Mentee and Mentor Through Challenges and Growth in San Diego.
- Saturday, November 15–Wednesday, November 19: Neuroscience 2025 at the San Diego Convention Center.
