Weekly Advocacy News Roundup
News
EU Trims Horizon 2020 But Spares European Research Council
May 29, 2015 | Science Insider
A European Union research and innovation program, Horizon 2020, will have €2.2 billion in funds reallocated to an economic investment fund. However, the European Research Council, part of the Horizon 2020 program which funds basic research, won’t face any cuts.
- Learn about neuroscience funding in the UK at SfN.org.
U.S. Lawmakers Approve Controversial Spending Bill
June 4, 2015 | Nature News
The House of Representatives approved a spending bill that would fund NSF at $7.4 billion in FY2016, and would impose cuts to social sciences and geosciences. President Obama has threatened to veto the bill. More information about the bill can be found here.
- Read about the U.S. neuroscience funding process at SfN.org.
European Commission Rejects Petition to Abolish Animal Research
June 4, 2015 | The Wall Street Journal
The European Commission rejected a petition that aimed to end animal research in the EU. The Commission stated it supports reducing the number of animals used, but said a ban on animal research is premature.
- Find information about animals in research at SfN.org.
Articles of Interest
Poor Sleep May Contribute to Alzheimer's Disease
June 1, 2015 | CBS
New research suggests that a good night's sleep may play an important role in helping protect the brain against memory decline associated with Alzheimer's.
- Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease at BrainFacts.org.
Your Doctor Could Grow a Tiny Version Of Your Brain In a Dish
June 1, 2015 | Popular Science
Researchers were able to create tiny versions of patients’ cerebral cortices in petri dishes, which would allow them to test how drugs would work on a patient’s brain before prescribing the one that works best.
- Read about technologies in neuroscience at BrainFacts.org.
Opinion
Research Funding: Is Size Really the Most Important Thing?
May 31, 2015 | The Guardian
This editorial discusses several issues relation to managing and distributing science funds in the UK. The UK has a new government after a recent election, and spending decisions are looming.
- Find science funding advocacy tools at SfN.org.
Our Obsession With Metrics is Corrupting Science
May 31, 2015 | The Conversation
As Australian universities and funding agencies continue to put emphasis on journal impact factors, this commentary discusses the effects of using these metrics for decisions on funding and tenure.
- Join the advocacy network to stay informed and take action on issues related to neuroscience research at SfN.org.