Dec. 12, 2014 – This Week's Consolidation of Advocacy News
News
NSF’s 2015 Budget: A Small Increase and a Big Pat on the Back
Dec. 10, 2014 | ScienceInsider
NSF received a 2.4 percent increase in funding for FY15. The spending bill contains few directives, showing support for the current status of spending at NSF despite recent criticisms from the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Within NIH’s Flat 2015 Budget, a Few Favorites
Dec. 10, 2014 | ScienceInsider
NIH received a 0.5 percent increase in funds for FY15. A few areas were singled out for relatively larger increases in spending, including a $25 million increase for the BRAIN initiative.
Academics Unimpressed With Ottawa’s New Research Fund
Dec. 10, 2014 | Montreal Gazette
Canadian Prime Minister Harper announced the Canada First Research Excellence Fund slated to invest $1.5 billion for scientific research over the next ten years. Some in scientific community feel this fund is not supportive of basic research, and are critical of the spending initiative.
Articles of Interest
Failing Forward: The Slow Process of Searching for Cures
Dec. 10, 2014 | The Atlantic
Although failure can be frustrating for researchers searching for cures, it can also help move science forward. Several prominent researchers discuss their past failures and what they have learned from them.
- Read about the experiences of other researchers at BrainFacts.org.
Doctoral Degrees Increased Last Year, but Career Opportunities Remained Bleak
Dec. 5, 2014 | The Chronicle of Higher Education
According to data from NSF, the number of doctorates in the U.S. has increased. However, the number of graduates with a job or postdoctoral position lined up at the time of graduation has decreased.
New Postdoc Report Covers Familiar Ground
Dec. 10, 2014 | Science Careers Blog
As a follow-up to earlier reports on the same topic, the National Academies released “The Postdoctoral Experience Revisited.” The new report examines issues with the postdoctoral experience and possible solutions.
Mice Injected With Human Brain Cells Get Smarter, Scientists Say
Dec. 9, 2014 | The Washington Post
When human glial cells were injected into lab mice, they multiplied and the mice responded more quickly to stimuli.
- Learn more about neuroanatomy at BrainFacts.org.
Opinion
10 Ways That Brain Myths are Harming Us
Dec. 9, 2014 | Wired
Much about the brain remains unknown and provides “the perfect breeding ground for myth and misconception.” This article examines several brain myths and how they may be harmful.
- Read about other neuromyths at BrainFacts.org.
Defending Graduate Education
Dec. 5, 2014 | Inside Higher Ed
Janet Napolitano, currently the president of the University of California system, discusses the importance of higher education and research and how to be an advocate for these endeavors.
- Join the Advocacy Network to stay informed on issues that affect neuroscience research.
