Weekly Advocacy News Roundup
News
When Congress Returns From Vacation, Budget Fight Looms
August 27, 2015 | The New York Times
When Congress returns, a high-stakes fiscal negotiation will begin over the government budget and whether or not it will raise the country’s borrowing limit. If the budget dispute is left unresolved, a government shutdown could occur by October 1.
- Join the Advocacy Network to stay informed and take action on issues that affect neuroscience research at SfN.org.
Africa: Financial Reward for Research Output Under the Spotlight in South Africa
August 26, 2015 | All Africa
South Africa’s higher education funding formula for research output is facing substantial changes for 2016. New standards are being put in place for how researchers will be rewarded for publishing journal articles, papers, and books.
- Register now for a webinar discussing advocacy around the world at Neuronline.
China Investing Big in Scientific Research
August 21, 2015 | Shanghai Daily
China’s National Natural Science Foundation invested heavily in science early in 2015. Project leaders receiving funding are also getting younger, with over forty percent being under forty years old.
- Find information about global advocacy programs at SfN.org.
Articles of Interest
Two Companies Close In on a Concussion Blood Test
August 27, 2015 | MIT Technology Review
A pair of companies say they’ve identified proteins that could lead to a blood test that could quickly diagnose a concussion. The two proteins increase in the hours after a brain injury, and concentrations correspond with the severity of the injury.
- Attend the Public Advocacy Forum at Neuroscience 2015 to learn more about concussions.
For Marijuana and the Brain, Questions Remain
August 26, 2015 | Reuters
Two new studies highlight the persistent questions about how cannabis might affect brain development. The two studies had different results: one showed those reporting marijuana use had smaller brain volume, while the other study showed no differences.
- Learn more about marijuana’s effects on the brain at BrainFacts.org.
Japanese Agency Looks to Remap Country’s Research Funding Landscape
August 26, 2015 | Genome Web
Makoto Suematsu, head of the newly formed Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, discussed his goals for the agency and challenges that will exist in trying to revamp Japan’s science funding environment.
- Learn more about neuroscience funding globally at SfN.org.