Weekly Advocacy News Roundup
News
Researchers Spend ‘Too Much Time’ Applying for Funding
Feb. 20, 2015 | Dutch News
A survey of 500 academics found that Dutch scientists and academics are spending up to 30 percent of their time trying to secure research funding.
- Read about neuroscience funding globally.
Universities Fear the Federal Research Funding Pipeline is Withering
Feb. 25, 2015 | The Washington Post
A group of research leaders from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities expressed their concerns about federal investment in basic research, stating that lawmakers are too focused on short-term goals.
- Learn about the U.S. funding process.
Indian Grad Students Take to Streets Over Miserable Pay
Feb. 23, 2015 | Science Insider
Graduate students in India are protesting after proposed increases to stipends have yet to be implemented. Protest leaders say that a countrywide lab shutdown may occur if demands are not met.
- Read about graduate training.
Economic Crisis to Erode Russia’s Science Base
Feb. 24, 2015 | Chemistry World
Russian government spending on scientific research will be cut by at least 10 percent this year as part of a plan to address the economic crisis in the country.
- Find information about global advocacy programs.
Articles of Interest
How Stephen Hawking, Diagnosed with ALS Decades Ago, Is Still Alive
Feb. 25, 2015 | The Washington Post
The ALS Association says the average lifespan of someone diagnosed with the condition is between two and five years, yet Stephen Hawking has lived with ALS for over 50 years.
- Read more about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at BrainFacts.org.
Sound of Mom’s Voice Boosts Growth in Premature Babies
Feb. 23, 2015 | Science
Listening to recordings of their mothers’ voices and heartbeats could help premature infants’ brains mature.
- Learn about brain development at BrainFacts.org.
Opinion
We Need to Innovate the Science Business Model
Feb. 21, 2015 | Forbes
As many U.S. science agencies lose funding, it is important to examine how the practice of science may need to be updated in order to “maintain our technological leadership.”
- Visit the Advocacy Network to say informed and take action on issues.
Childhood Adversity Needs More Research, Not Less
Feb. 23, 2015 | The Hill
Paul McKellips, executive vice president of the Foundation for Biomedical Research, discusses how research in animals, including primates, is important to learning how to help people suffering from mental illness.
- Find more information about animals in research.