Advocacy Network Newsletter

SfNConnectome21: Abstract Submissions Close Tomorrow

No matter your area of specialization or career stage, share your research with colleagues across the field & submit your abstract!

Urge Congress to Complete the FY2021 Appropriations Process

Congress passed a continuing resolution, temporarily avoiding a government shutdown. Contact your members of Congress today and ask them to complete the FY 2021 appropriations process with an increase to biomedical research funding, including at least $15.5 billion in the next COVID-19 relief package. Additionally, remind your member that animal models in research are already well-regulated and additional regulations and restrictions would have a detrimental effect on research.

NeuroAdvocate Challenge: November 2020 

Continue carrying out advocacy activities to support the scientific community this month:

• Report back any activities you have carried out as part of SfN’s NeuroAdvocate Challenge by Dec. 11, 2020. 

Federal Advocacy News

• Joe Biden is the officially projected President-Elect of the United States.
• President Trump is contesting the results in several states, with the legal challenges possibly going to the Supreme Court.
• Two runoff elections are set for Georgia, which will determine what party controls the US Senate.
• Democrats are set to lose several House seats, but retain control of the chamber.
• The Senate has released its FY 2021 appropriations bills. 
• Senate Labor-HHS has NIH to be raised $2 billion.
• Senate CJS has NSF to be raised to a total of $8.48 billion.

ECPA Applications Open November 16   

Applications open for SfN's Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPA) Program Monday, November 16. This year-long program for early career undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students, as well as recent PhD/MD recipients, allows NeuroAdvocates to enhance their advocacy skills with the neuroscience community, policymakers, and the public. Applications will be open until December 21.

NABR Action Alert for Animals in Research

Representatives Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced an unscientific and misguided bill titled The Humane Research and Testing Act of 2020 (H.R. 8633). This bill would create a new National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and shows a shocking lack of understanding about research in Congress. NABR created an action alert that you can access here.

EARA Media Training

The European Animal Research Association (EARA) invites you to join this online media training session which aims to equip you with the tools you need to start communicating about your animal research to a wider audience. EARA will cover why it's important to be open and transparent about animal research, give tips on how to start talking to the media, and give advice about what to do in crisis situations. This interactive online workshop is designed for researchers who use animals in their research, as well as communications staff, at institutions that undertake animal research.

Oregon Primate Center Resumes Public Tours via a New Pandemic-Safe Video

The Oregon National Primate Research Center - which provided public tours for many years - has offered a socially distanced alternative to learn about its research. The video, titled “Take a virtual tour of the Oregon National Primate Research Center,” can be found on the primate center’s website or on Vimeo. The video introduces the public to scientists and animal care experts employed by the highly regarded institute. Viewers also hear about the center’s research and how animals are cared for in several settings.

Advocating for Social Change as a Neuroscientist on Social Media

2020 ECPA Ubadah Sabbagh authored a piece on Neuronline. Ubadah helped organize the #BlackInNeuro event earlier this year and shared his insight on social media advocacy in the Neuronline article. Through Advocating for Social Change as a Neuroscientist on Social Media, Ubadah explains the importance of social media in advocacy and provides an outline of the strategy he has used successfully.

SfN Hosted a Congressional Briefing: Exploring Recent Discoveries in Neuroscience Research

SfN and the American Brain Coalition, in cooperation with the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, recently held a congressional briefing, Exploring Recent Discoveries in Neuroscience Research. This briefing featured esteemed neuroscientists discussing recent discoveries in neuroscience research. Panelists reviewed the transitional benefits provided by predictable federal funding of basic neuroscience research to medical treatments and discoveries. Neuroscience topics discussed included pain management and addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dementia. It can now be viewed on demand here.

TPDA Applications Now Open through November 17

If you are an undergraduate or graduate student or postdoctoral fellow, you may be eligible for a Trainee Professional Development Award (TPDA)! Award recipients receive access to year-round professional development programming via a private Neuronline Community, as well as reimbursement for their registration to attend SfN Global Connectome: A Virtual Event. Applications will be accepted until November 17 at 5 p.m. EST. Learn more about TPDA and find out if your eligible: https://www.sfn.org/tpda.

SfN Advocacy Resources

• Contact your legislator about research funding via the Advocacy Action Center.
• Watch the Neuroscientist’s Guide to Advocacy series to understand the tools you need to help advance the field.
• Learn how to engage your members of Congress and persuasively advocate for science with SfN's Advocacy Best Practices.
• Get involved in global advocacy.
• Talk to the public about the importance of animal research.
• Reach out to advocacy@sfn.org for assistance in preparing for your next advocacy effort at home or on Capitol Hill. 

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