Advocacy News from SfN

Apply Now to be an Early Career Policy Ambassador

Applications for SfN's Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPA) Program are now open! Undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate students, and recent PhD/MD recipients are encouraged to apply to this 10-month program. ECPA allows early career scientists to enhance their advocacy skills with the neuroscience community, policymakers, and the public. Ambassadors gain essential skills to advocate for science and encourage those in their networks to join the conversation. Apply by Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. 

Highlights from SfN Advocacy Events at Neuroscience 2023

Last month, SfN held its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., and hosted many impactful advocacy events. Several of the current Early Career Policy Ambassadors presented their advocacy and policy work to meeting attendees during the Saturday evening poster session. Additionally, the Animals in Research Panel consisted of an expert panel and a patient advocate who shared the successes of animal research and what to expect in the future. Finally, the Advocacy forum was held as a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill about the latest research in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how Congress can play a role. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), the co-chairs of the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, joined the briefing and provided remarks about the importance of PTSD neuroscience research.  Read more in an article covering the briefing from the Medical University of South Carolina. We look forward to continuing hosting these important events at Neuroscience 2024 in Chicago.  

Advocacy Across the Field

Nominate Yourself or a Colleague for a SfN Leadership Position

Lead, collaborate, and inspire in the field of neuroscience. SfN members can nominate themselves or fellow colleagues, who are in good standing, for an Officer, councilor, or committee position. These positions are a fantastic way to get involved and volunteer with SfN. Submit before Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. 

Congress Passes Another Continuing Resolution (CR)

On November 15, Congress passed a tiered CR (H.R. 6363), averting a government shutdown. The laddered CR will extend government funding to Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, for four appropriations bills and Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, for the eight remaining bills, including Labor-HHS and CJS. There is not expected to be any movement on these bills until Congress returns from the holiday recess. Although SfN was happy to see a shutdown averted, it is still critical to keep in mind the negative impacts a CR has on biomedical research. These effects include delayed funding for necessary services and stress the importance of completing full-year appropriations. 

Monica Bertagnolli, MD, Confirmed as Director of NIH

Recently, the Senate confirmed Monica Bertagnolli, MD, to be the next director of NIH in a bipartisan 62-36 vote. Bertagnolli is the 17th person, the second woman, and the first surgeon to hold the position. She transitioned from her role as the 16th director of the National Cancer Institute, a position she had held since October 2022. SfN is pleased NIH now has a Senate-confirmed director for the first time since December 2021. 

Submit Comments to NIH on Use of Cephalopods in Research

A recent Washington Post article regarding cephalopods (specifically octopuses) mentioned how NIH is considering granting cephalopods used in research some protections given to nonhuman primates and other vertebrates. NIH released a request for information (RFI) calling for comments on the regulation of cephalopods as laboratory animals. NIH notes that currently in the U.S. cephalopods are not regulated under the Animal Welfare Act and the Animal Welfare Regulations and are not included in the Public Health Service Policy on Human Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Policy. NIH also notes that the U.S. Government Principles II, III, IV and IX outline practices that can be applied to this class of animals despite the current gaps in knowledge. Share comments using this form by Friday, December 22.  

SfN Advocacy Resources

• Introduce yourself to the new Congress using the Advocacy Action Center.
• Watch the Neuroscientist’s Guide to Advocacy series to understand the tools needed to help advance the field.
• Learn how to engage members of Congress and effectively 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.