April 2018

Biomedical Research Gets Major Boost in FY2018 Omnibus

Thanks to the efforts of advocates around the country, biomedical research saw a substantial increase in the recently passed FY2018 omnibus bill. The funding provides:

• A $3 billion increase in NIH, bringing the total budget to $37.1 billion, including:
  • $500 million for research related to opioid addiction,
  • $414 million in additional funding for Alzheimer’s disease research, and
  • $400 million for the BRAIN Initiative.
• $496 million from the 21st Century Cures Act, which is a full release of the funds and contains specific investment for the BRAIN Initiative and other research efforts.
• A $295 million increase for NSF, totaling nearly $7.8 billion.

Read SfN’s statement applauding these funding increases and be on the lookout for actions you can take to ensure investment in scientific research in FY2019.

Federal News Roundup

• Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin is replaced by presidential physician Dr. Ronny Jackson.
• HIV/AIDS researcher Robert Redfield is appointed to lead the CDC.
• Congress orders the USDA to openly report about its oversight of animal welfare.
• NIH makes progress towards resettling chimps in sanctuaries.
• An op-ed in The Baltimore Sun discusses the importance of continued federal research investments.

Congressional Leaders Honored for Increasing Biomedical Research Funding

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) were honored with SfN’s 2017 Public Advocacy Award at SfN’s Annual Capitol Hill Day. The award, given to leaders dedicated to advancing biomedical research, was presented to Rep. Cole and Sen. Blunt for their outstanding efforts in Congress, which have resulted in significant funding increases for NIH.

Develop Your Advocacy Skills

Advancing funding for biomedical research relies on a robust group of science advocates. Learn how to empower your network and achieve legislative success through our next webinar, Inspiring Others to Be Science Advocates. Speakers include expert science educators who will spark your passion for talking to others about the importance of science.

View past webinars and register for the final webinar in the series happening June 1. 

SfN Hosts Virtual Conference on Rigor and Transparency in Neuroscience

For the scientific community to reap the benefits of new discoveries, research must be accessible and reproducible. Join us Tuesday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, for Enhancing Rigor and Transparency in Neuroscience, to learn how you can enhance rigor in experimental design, data analysis, and reporting of your research findings.

This virtual conference, created in partnership with NIH, will bring together neuroscientists from around the world to cover topics ranging from minimizing bias in experimental design to transparent publishing practices. Register now to attend live or to watch on demand.

SfN Advocacy Resources

• Contact your legislator about research funding via the Advocacy Action Center.
• Learn how to engage your members of Congress and persuasively advocate for science.
• Engage your lawmakers directly by calling them to schedule an in-person meeting or a lab tour.
• Get involved in global advocacy.
• Talk to the public about the importance of animal research.