May 2018
Advance Funding for Neuroscience Research
Your advocacy efforts have helped achieve significant victories, including the recent $3 billion increase in NIH funding.
Let’s continue this momentum and show our appreciation to Congress. Contact your policymakers now to thank them for their investment in biomedical research and share how their support enables you to make discoveries in their district.
SfN Submits Testimony in Support of NIH and NSF
SfN President Richard Huganir submitted congressional testimony on behalf of NIH and NSF, underscoring the value of strong investment in biomedical research. Huganir reminded the committee that their reliance on continuing resolutions in FY18 was damaging to the scientific enterprise and urged them to complete their appropriations work in advance of the September 30 deadline.
Federal News Roundup
- NIH will assess claims that NIAAA Director improperly halted studies critical of beverage industry.
- NASEM committee calls for postdoc tax to level playing field for young scientists.
- USDA restores animal welfare inspection reports following Congressional criticism.
- Advocates around the world partake in the March for Science to call for evidence-based policies.
Policymakers Observe BRAIN Initiative Discoveries
Neuroscientists showcased their BRAIN Initiative-funded research on Capitol Hill to celebrate five years of investment. Through interactive exhibits, attendees saw firsthand how BRAIN is advancing treatments for brain disorders including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and depression.
Achieve Your Advocacy Goals
On June 1, learn how to measure the effectiveness of your advocacy strategy through our next webinar, Measuring Advocacy Outcomes. You’ll explore ways to gauge performance against short- and long-term advocacy goals, identify gaps in science advocacy metrics, and evaluate public opinion survey data to help you tailor your message.
View past advocacy webinars and register here for the final webinar created in partnership with Research!America.
The Brain Awareness Video Contest Is Now Open!
Submit your neuroscience concept video for a chance to win cash prizes; the first-place winner will receive $1,000 and a trip to Neuroscience 2018, in San Diego, CA. Submissions are open through June 14. See guidelines and view the 2017 submissions.
How to Become Actively Engaged in Science Advocacy
To increase political engagement, Will Adler, former SfN Early Career Policy Ambassador, suggests partnering with nonprofit organizations and political campaigns in this Scientific American editorial. Adler writes that scientists can leverage their expertise to connect social change organizations with relevant research findings.
Speaking of Research Launches Animal Research Initiatives
Support your fellow researchers by signing a letter calling for greater openness in animal research, and join the Rapid Response Network to receive alerts about other actions you can take to support biomedical research.
SfN Advocacy ResourcesSfN 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.
