June 2020

Stay connected with the neuroscience community and your local communities as the globe continues to confront COVID-19. SfN’s Confronting COVID-19 hosts a collection of news and resources about the challenges confronting the neuroscience community and currently features relevant advocacy and outreach resources under “Career Development Resources.”

Tell Congress to Support Biomedical Research Funding in FY 21 and the Next COVID-19 Relief Package 

The House and Senate are negotiating details for FY 21 funding levels, as well as the next COVID-19 relief package. This includes funds for research at NIH, NSF, VA, and other agencies. Join your fellow NeuroAdvocates and tell Congress to ensure that funding for biomedical research is included at adequate levels and to not forget the relief needed by researchers and investigators across the country. 

NeuroAdvocate Challenge: June 2020 

As SfN is continually developing more resources to help you advocate under the new circumstances, you can continue to carry out advocacy activities this month:  

• Read SfN’s statement on diversity, inclusion, and equity.
• View and share resources to promote the value and understanding of diversity in science.
• Check out the modified House legislative schedule for the summer of 2020.

These activities and more are part of SfN’s year-long NeuroAdvocate Challenge. Help advocate with SfN by signing up for the challenge today. Active participants will be recognized for their efforts and into a drawing to attend SfN’s 15th Capitol Hill Day in 2021.

View previous activities that have been rolled out to date, and make sure to report back completed activities to be recognized for your efforts. 

Federal Advocacy News   

• May 2020 saw the first proxy votes cast in the House’s history, despite GOP opposition and lawsuit.
• Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is looking at July for the next coronavirus relief package.
• Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Todd Young (R-IN) and Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI-8) introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation to give NSF an additional $100 billion over five years.
• Dr. Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan cleared the Senate HELP Committee on 3 June on his way to become the 15th Director of the NSF. The Senate has yet to set a date for a full chamber vote to confirm Dr. Panchanathan.

BraiNY is Invites You to Complete a Survey on How The Pandemic is Affecting Your Research

BraiNY is collecting information on how the pandemic is affecting researchers at universities and colleges to inform public officials to advocate for funding. Responses collected may be used to create aggregated data for policy makers. Scientists from all stages of training (from graduate student to PI) are encouraged to share their experiences as this pandemic is impacting us all.

NINDS Seeks Feedback on Strategic Planning Process

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) published a July 2019 request for information on the process. The goal is to solicit input on means to accomplish the strategic goals outlined by NINDS regarding research over the next five to 10 years. Those interested in submitting comments for consideration as NINDS establishes a new strategic plan may still do so through this form.

Virtual Briefing on COVID-19 and the Brain

The Society for Neuroscience and American Brain Coalition co-hosted a virtual briefing, in cooperation with the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, examining how those exposed to COVID-19 could face a heightened risk for a range of brain diseases and disorders, from depression and psychosis to immune and olfactory complications of the central nervous system. The virtual briefing took place on Wednesday, June 3, and can be viewed here.

International News Headlines

• European R&D review finds lagging high-tech performance despite major science investment.
• African scientists sense a once-in-a-life opportunity to push for research funding.
• India's new science policy to be informed by COVID-19 crisis.
• The Politics of Pandemic in Southeast Asia.

SfN Advocacy Resources

• Contact your legislator about research funding via the Advocacy Action Center.
• Watch the Neuroscientist’s Guide to Advocacy series to understand the tools you need to help advance the field.
• Learn how to engage your members of Congress and persuasively advocate for science with SfN's Advocacy Best Practices.
• Get involved in global advocacy.
• Talk to the public about the importance of animal research.
• Download the SfN Advocacy App for your Apple or Android device to have all your advocacy resources in one place.
• Reach out to advocacy@sfn.org for assistance in preparing for your next advocacy effort at home or on Capitol Hill.