July 2018
Federal News Roundup
- House proposes a 3% and a $407.5 million increase for NIH and NSF, respectively, in FY19.
- Senate proposes a 5% and a $301 million increase for NIH and NSF, respectively, in FY19.
- U.S. policymakers call for increased disclosure of NIH and CDC industry donors.
- U.S. scientists advocate for institutional transparency for animal research.
- NIAAA trial halted after conflict of interest accusations.
Inside Local Science Advocacy
Postdoctoral fellow and ECPA Oluwarotimi “Timi” Folorunso shares how to network, engage your community, and use digital communications to advance science advocacy. Find out how you can get involved on your campus, join a city board, invite a representative to your institution, and apply to science advocacy programs, including SfN’s Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPA) program.
Manchester University Increases Animal Research Transparency
Manchester University in the U.K. launched the first virtual tour of an institution's animal facility to encourage public awareness and acceptance of animal research. The images and videos give a realistic insight into the work happening inside of a modern university research facility, allowing viewers to 'see and hear for themselves' the role that animals play in a wide range of biomedical, environmental, and pharmaceutical research.
NIH Invites Public Comment on Chimpanzee Retirement Plan
The NIH Council of Councils Working Group on Assessing the Safety of Relocating At-Risk Chimpanzees released a report regarding the relocation of NIH-owned and -supported chimpanzees. A priority for the NIH, the Working Group invites you to submit input and public comments regarding these recommendations by Friday, August 10. Comments received before the close of the comment period may be made available on the NIH website.
Transparency Agreement on Animal Research Launched in Portugal
The European Animal Research Association (EARA) in conjunction with the Portuguese Society of Science in Laboratory Animals (SSLA) recently published an agreement encouraging openness and transparency in animal research with the support of 16 Portuguese research institutions. Similar to initiatives in Spain and the U.K., this agreement aims to improve awareness of animal research and associated regulations.
Scientists Warn of Backlash from Supreme Court Travel Ban Ruling
The U.S. travel ban restricts visiting scholars and potential students from entering and leaving the U.S. Scientists fear it will discourage researchers from studying in the U.S. and prevent current international students from visiting their families abroad. Frustrated by the ruling, SfN members and University of California San Francisco professor Kavef Ashrafi says the ban is disheartening for scientists interested in learning from and contributing to scientific advancement in the U.S.
Medical Advances Depend on Responsible Animal Research
In this op-ed, SfN member and University of Delaware associated professor Tania Roth describes her research studying the influence of adverse early life experiences on brain development and function. She openly discusses the necessity of animal models in her work and the consideration taken to ensure animals are used ethically and responsibly.
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.
- Watch SfN and Research!America's four-part webinar series on how to advocate for the field.
