Advocacy Network Newsletter - February 2018
Federal News Roundup
- Congres passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through February 8. Final FY18 funding levels remain uncertain
- US Health and Human Services abandoned a controversial provision to the Common Rule which would have required informed consent for human research samples
- Alex Azar was sworn in as the new head of US Health and Human Services, replacing Tom Price
- NIH released a policy reclassifying basic behavioral research as clinical trials
- A leaked document indicated at least a €2 billion increase in German science funding
Build Your Advocacy Skills
Learn to connect with policymakers through the SfN-Research!America webinar series:
Strategies to Maximize Your Advocacy Results. Discover new advocacy opportunities and targeted communication strategies to connect with Congress and the administration. (Feb. 23)
Inspiring Others to Be Science Advocates. Empower your network to advocate for science and achieve legislative success. (Apr. 18)
Measuring Advocacy Outcomes. Learn to allocate your resources appropriately by evaluating your advocacy performance against short- and long-term goals, managing expectations, and identifying gaps in science advocacy metrics. (June 1)
Leveraging Public Opinion in Support of Science. Learn to craft a concise, compelling narrative about the value of your research using opinion survey data on scientific issues. (Now available)
Let's Increase Funding for Your Research
SfN advocates will visit Capitol Hill on March 8 to promote neuroscience research as part of SfN's 12th annual Capitol Hill Day. Help us amplify our message on social media by sharing a short video story about how federal funding allows you to make the latest neuroscience discoveries. If you'd like to join our virtual Hill Day campaign, click here to sign up, and the SfN advocacy team will connect with you soon to get started.
We encourage you to further participate from your home institution and with your chapter. Neuroscience advocates can directly engage with lawmakers during Hill Day by scheduling an in-district meeting or a lab tour. If you have any questions, please reach out to advocacy@sfn.org for additional information.
Americans Agree on the Value of Science
Americans overwhelmingly agree that scientific research should be supported by the federal government and that Congressional candidates should assign a high priority to increasing funding for medical research, according to a recent survey commissioned by Research!America. President and CEO Mary Woolley of Research!America spoke about the importance of advocating for science at the Public Advocacy Forum during Neursocience 2018, stating, "If you're not an advocate, it could be hazardous to your career."
Join Pet Lovers in Support of Animal Research
The Foundation for Biomedical Research has launched a campaign encouraging animal lovers to learn how animal research benefits all animals and to support animal researchers in helping pets to live longer, healthier lives. Share these resources and contribute to positive conversations about animals in research today.
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, scheduling an in-person meeting or a lab tour
- Get involved in global advocacy
- Talk to the public about the importance of animal research
