NeuroAdvocates Maintain Push for Funding, Policy Certainty
To influence the dynamic science policy and funding conversation on Capitol Hill, SfN and NeuroAdvocates have maintained a constant presence and message in multiple actions.
SfN’s efforts have benefited from its strong relationships with numerous organizations. Since July, SfN has signed on to several coalition letters covering topics such as a potential NIH reorganization and supporting NIH funding. In September, SfN announced its support and active participation in Research!America’s advocacy campaign “Americans for Medical Research” to educate the public and policymakers about the vital role played by NIH in discovering cures. A Congressional Neuroscience Caucus briefing in September titled "Inventing the Future: Brain-Inspired Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence" was co-sponsored by SfN, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Coalition, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and the Simons Foundation. The Capitol Hill briefing featured a keynote address by former Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, who was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy in 2023.
SfN staff have made frequent visits to discuss the needs of the neuroscience community with policymakers in Congress, including continued support for the ethical and responsible use of animals in biomedical research and BRAIN Initiative funding. From July through the time of writing in early September, staff have met with elected officials’ offices representing Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Maryland, Michigan, and Rhode Island.
NeuroAdvocates, SfN members who are actively engaged in advocating for the neuroscience community, have been engaged in an impressive cadence of activities. Two action alerts distributed by SfN in July to protect NIH and NSF funding generated 347 messages to policymakers. In August, SfN member Ethan Anderson hosted Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s (R-LA) staffer for a lab tour at Louisiana State University. SfN also asked NeuroAdvocates to submit short videos on how recent policy and funding decisions have hurt their careers and communities, with the first of many testimonials shared on social media in September with specific calls to action for members to complete. Also in September, the 2025 class of Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPAs) met virtually with staff from 21 Congressional offices representing 7 states to advocate for neuroscience priorities.
SfN, its organizational partners, and NeuroAdvocates are working together to offer a robust, well-coordinated defense of the biomedical community’s needs. Visit the advocacy section of the SfN website for a curated list of advocacy efforts this year and to find out how any SfN member can get involved.
