Advocacy Network News

Spotlight

SfN’s Ongoing Response to Federal Policies on Biomedical Research 

Check out the latest from SfN and coalition partners, including a message from SfN President, John H. Morrison on SfN’s commitment to the Scientific Enterprise and more information on how SfN engages with coalition partners, as organizations continue to respond to federal administration policies that harm biomedical research.   

SfN News

SfN Participates in ABC’s Capitol Hill Day 

SfN members participated in the American Brain Coalition’s (ABC) Capitol Hill Day meetings with congressional offices to advocate for robust and sustained funding for the BRAIN Initiative. The day concluded with a Congressional Neuroscience Caucus briefing where participants had a chance to hear from BRAIN Initiative Director John Ngai, PhD, and NIDA Director Nora Volkow, MD. Join participants by urging your senators and representatives to sign Dear Colleague Letters in support of the BRAIN Initiative. 

2025 ECPA Meets with Representative Takano 

Nicole D’Souza, a 2025 Early Career Policy Ambassador (ECPA), met with Representative Mark Takano (D-CA) at the University of California, Riverside. D’Souza shared her research and advocated for the need for continued robust and predictable funding for biomedical research and the importance of the continued responsible and ethical use of animals in research. Learn how to contact your members of Congress and introduce yourself as a constituent.

2025 ECPAs Reflect on SfN’s Capitol Hill Day 

SfN’s Capitol Hill Day gave scientists the opportunity to discuss advances in the field of neuroscience with federal policymakers and advocate for SfN’s legislative priorities. Hear from ECPA’s who participate in as new Neuronline article.

Abstract Submission Opens Wednesday

Neuroscience 2025 abstract submission is open May 21–June 4. 5 p.m. EDT! Advocates play a key role in advancing the field — use this customizable travel justification letter to secure institutional support and ensure your work is part of the conversation. 

Federal News

FY26 President’s Budget Request Released 

The Trump administration released its FY26 Budget Request, which includes a nearly 40% cut to NIH and a 57% cut to NSF below current levels. While the release of a budget recommendation is the first step in the appropriations process, Congress has the final say in deciding funding levels for federal agencies. Join fellow NeuroAdvocates in urging Congress to support robust funding for neuroscience priorities in FY26. 

Senate Appropriations Committee Holds Hearing on Biomedical Research 

Watch a recording of the hearing held in the Senate Appropriations Committee, “Biomedical Research: Keeping America’s Edge in Innovation." SfN submitted a statement in support of biomedical research on behalf of SfN’s Government and Public Affairs Committee Chair, Diane Lipscombe, PhD. 

NIH Announces New Office to Advance Human-Based Research Technologies

NIH announced that it is launching a new initiative focused on advancing human-based research technologies while reducing the use of animals by establishing the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA). Check out SfN’s resources on advocating for the use of animals in research to join the conversation.

Advocacy Opportunity: Send a McClintock Letter to Your Local Media:This initiative by the Cornell Advancing Science and Policy Club (ASAP) and Science Homecoming aims to publish over 1,000 pieces around the country on or around Monday, June 16, Nobel Prize-awarded geneticist Barbara McClintock’s birthday, in defense of science. 

Watch the Neuroscientist’s Guide to Advocacy series to understand the tools you need to help advance the field.