October 2019
Federal News Roundup
- A continuing resolution was passed and signed by the president to keep the U.S. government funded through November 21, 2019. Urge your Representative and Senators to pass funding before this deadline expires.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it aims to eliminate all mammal testing by 2035. Speaking of Research is collecting signatures for a letter denouncing this move by the EPA.
- SfN joined a multi-society sign-on letter addressing security concerns related to foreign influence on the scientific community. In response, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a letter inviting the research community to continue to weigh in on the issue.
- NSF released a Dear Colleague letter on repositioning some of its basic research efforts to invest more in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences.
- SfN worked with the American Brain Coalition, the American Academy of Neurology, and the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus to put together a congressional briefing on the effects of sleep.
- The National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke has released an RFI to solicit input on concrete means to accomplish a set of four strategic goals over the next 5-10 years. Please submit all feedback via the RFI webpage by November 1, 2019
Join Us at Neuroscience 2019
SfN is currently looking for NeuroAdvocates to present their posters on science advocacy at this year’s Advocacy Reception. Email advocacy@sfn.org by October 11 for additional information or to indicate interest. The reception will feature posters highlighting advocacy efforts around the world.
While in Chicago, come visit the SfN booth (booth #1005) for a chance to speak with SfN staff and spin the advocacy wheel! In addition, make sure to save the date for other advocacy-related events at Neuroscience 2019:
- Animals in Research Panel
- Public Advocacy Forum
- Advocacy Reception (in room N226 immediately following the Public Advocacy Forum)
SfN Launches the 50th Anniversary NeuroAdvocate Challenge
Introducing SfN's 50th Anniversary NeuroAdvocate Challenge! SfN invites all past, present, and future NeuroAdvocates to join in carrying out advocacy activities throughout our landmark year. Participants will be recognized for their efforts, and top NeuroAdvocates will be entered into a drawing to join SfN’s 15th Capitol Hill Day in 2021. Sign up for the NeuroAdvocate Challenge today.
Apply for SfN’s Early Career Policy Ambassador (ECPA) Program Today
Applications are now open for SfN’s Early Career Policy Ambassador (ECPA) program. Learn more about the program and read former ECPA Joe Luchsinger’s article in Nature, in which he shares his key takeaways from being a part of the ECPA Program. Applications close January 10, 2020.
Applications Open for AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowships
Apply today for the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships 2020-21 fellowship year. Fellows will gain hands-on policy experience, help develop and execute solutions societal challenges, and join a corps of over 3,000 influential alumni. Washington-based fellowships are available in all three branches of federal government. The application deadline is November 1, 2019.
Canadian Federal Elections Being Held October 21
The next Canadian federal elections will take place October 21, 2019, during Neuroscience 2019 in Chicago. SfN invites all Canadian members traveling during this period to vote by anticipation. Learn more about the many ways to vote before election day on the Elections Canada website.
International Advocacy News
- Anyone can help shape European Union‘s new €94 billion research program - Science
- India pushes for alternatives to animals in biomedical research - Nature
- French research budget disappoints - Nature
- #VoteScience: a campaign that wants science to inform your vote next month – The Varsity
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.
- Reach out to advocacy@sfn.org for assistance in preparing for your next advocacy effort at home or on Capitol Hill.
