Weekly Advocacy News Roundup
News
Labor-HHS Subcommittee Hearing: FY16 National Institutes of Health Budget
April 30, 2015 | Senate Committee on Appropriations
On April 30, the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee held a hearing on NIH’s 2016 budget request with NIH Director Francis Collins and other institute directors. A webcast of the hearing is available here.
- Read about congressional committees relevant to neuroscience funding at SfN.org.
Push to Boost Medical Research Gains Traction
May 2, 2015 | The Hill
There is growing bipartisan support for NIH funding, including bipartisan 21st Century Cures legislation that would increase NIH funding. Despite this support, sequester caps may be a challenge to increasing NIH funds.
- Learn more about sequestration and how it impacts science funding at SfN.org.
Bill Shorten Pledges to Fight Science Funding Cuts
May 6, 2015 | The Australian
Australian Opposition Leader Bill Shorten pledged to fight research cuts in a budget due out next week, and repeated a pledge to make science a “key policy priority.”
- Read about global advocacy programs at SfN.org.
Articles of Interest
Obama’s BRAIN Initiative Yields First Study Results
April 30, 2015 | Reuters
A study describing a method that can manipulate a lab animal’s brain circuitry to turn behaviors on and off is the first published study under President Obama’s 2013 BRAIN Initiative.
- Find resources for policymakers at BrainFacts.org.
Research: Africa’s Fight for Equality
May 5, 2015 | Nature News
After years of “second-class status” in research partnerships, African scientists are calling for change. Researchers state that national government support for science is a key change that is needed.
- Read about global neuroscience initiatives at SfN.org.
Space Radiation May Harm Astronauts’ Brains
May 3, 2015 | Discovery News
Research showed that lab animals exposed to highly energetic charged particles, similar to the rays that astronauts would encounter on long space trips, can lead to central nervous system damage and cognitive impairments.
- Learn more about how space travel can impact your brain at BrainFacts.org.
Opinion
Major Breakthroughs in Health Research Need Continued NIH Funding
May 1, 2015 | Seattle Times
As NIH funding risks the “toughest funding environment in history,” this opinion article urges scientists and the public to voice support for funding.
- Read about neuroscience funding through NIH at SfN.org.
Why Ottawa’s Investment in Research Will Touch All Canadians
May 5, 2015 | The Globe and Mail
As Canada invests in research infrastructure, it is important for the public to understand how this investment will impact everyone and how it supports scientific findings.
- Watch a webinar on communicating your science to a non-expert at SfN.org.
