January 2019

Action Alert: Government Shutdown

• Action Alert: As the government shutdown continues, NSF and several other agencies remain closed. Contact your members of Congress today and tell them to finish their work and provide robust funding for NSF in 2019.
• If your research has been impacted by the shutdown, tell SfN how. We may share your story with policymakers.

Federal News Roundup

The NIH requests feedback on a draft report to reduce administrative burden on researchers for animal care and use in research. Responses are due Wednesday, February 20. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, which authorizes the expansion of activities related to Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and brain health under the Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program, was signed into law on the last day of 2018.
• The Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2018, which extends the federal Traumatic Brain Injury Program through 2024, was signed into law on December 21.
• Dog research at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs received a formal review to determine whether the animals are being properly treated—and whether the work is necessary.

SfN Advocacy Celebrates a Successful 2018

SfN advocates and the biomedical research community achieved success in 2018 with increases to NIH and NSF budgets for the fourth consecutive year. SfN members sent over 2,800 messages, hosted nine lab tours for members of Congress and participated in 93 legislative meetings during the organization’s annual Hill Day. SfN staff trained 150 SfN NeuroAdvocates in person, launched a new Advocacy App, and published advocacy best practices. Thank you to all SfN advocates!

Science Advocacy as a Graduate Student: Overcoming Challenges

In this article for Neuronline, Jennifer Tribble, former Early Career Policy Ambassador and president of the Science Policy Group at UCLA, explains why it’s important to communicate the impact of science and how to make your work relatable and approachable to nonscientists. Read her tips for talking about your research and fitting science advocacy into your schedule.

New Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy Confirmed

Kelvin Droegemeier was confirmed by the Senate on January 2 as the new director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) after an almost two year vacancy of the position. Droegemeier is the first non-physicist to head the office since its establishment in 1976, and his confirmation was one of the last acts before the adjournment of the 115th Congress.

ORIP Releases Evaluation Report on Nonhuman Primate Research Resources

NIH’s Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP) released a report on December 19 that provides key recommendations and considerations for the future direction of nonhuman primate resources and needs for biomedical research.

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.
• Download SfN’s Advocacy App for your Apple or Android device.