Advocacy Network Newsletter

Spotlight 

SfN’s Response to Recent Federal Administration Actions

Check Out recent statements and actions from SfN and coalition partners from SfN on federal administration policies that harm biomedical research. Also, watch the Neuroscientist’s Guide to Advocacy, leverage SfN's advocacy best practices to refine your skills, and join the conversation as a #NeuroAdvocate.

Urge Congress to Protect Biomedical Research

 In light of federal communication restrictions and funding freezes, use SfN’s Advocacy Action Center to urge Congress to protect congressionally approved funding for biomedical research and the scientific workforce and ensure reliable funding continues uninterrupted. Enter your address into the Advocacy Action Center, personalize the pre-populated message, and then click send to contact your policymakers.

SfN News

Join SfN for a Virtual Advocacy Training Program  

Register to attend SfN’s virtual Advocacy Training Program, Tuesday, February 18, 1–3 p.m. EST. Attendees will learn how to become an effective advocate and gain the necessary skills to work with their communities and policymakers to advance neuroscience research and discovery. 

SfN Welcomes 2025 ECPA Class

Join us in welcoming 10 Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPAs) to the 2025 ECPA class! This year’s ECPAs include scientists from a variety of career stages from across the U.S. who are passionate about advocacy. As part of the program, each ECPA will participate in SfN’s annual Hill Day in March and complete two advocacy projects at their home institutions and within their local communities.

SfN President, John H. Morrison, Hosts Lab Tour 

Congressional Neuroscience Co-Chair, Rep. Mike Thompson, attended a lab tour hosted by SfN President John H. Morrison, PhD, which his office shared on social media. Rep. Thompson and his staff learned about research happening in labs at the University of California, Davis and the California National Primate Research Center. Learn more about SfN’s advocacy best practices and reach out if you are interested in hosting a lab tour.

Federal News

Senate Confirms HHS Secretary 

Read more about the recent Senate vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) . The Senate voted 52-48 to confirm Kennedy largely along party lines.

House Oversight Committee Holds Hearing on Animals in Research

Read about the hearing held by The House Oversight Committee, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Government Innovation titled “Transgender Lab Rats and Poisoned Puppies: Oversight of Taxpayer Funded Animal Cruelty.” Join fellow NeuroAdvocates in urging Congress to protect the responsible and ethical use of animals in research. 

Register for a Congressional Briefing on the BRAIN Initiative 

Attend the briefing about the future of the BRAIN Initiative, Thursday, February 20, 1–2 p.m. The panel will be moderated by SfN’s Government and Public Affairs Committee Chair, Diane Lipscombe, PhD, and attendees will hear from an expert panel including BRAIN Initiative Director John Ngai, PhD. 

Research!America’s National Survey Results 

Learn more about the results of a Research!America-commissioned survey that reveals strong bipartisan support for investment in research and innovation in the U.S. Survey findings show that 92% of Americans across the political spectrum believe President Trump and the new Congress should elevate the priority of medical progress. 

CLS Optimizing NIH Report 

Read the recently published report by the Coalition for Life Sciences (CLS) promoting the adoption of changes in policy and practice that would further enhance NIH. CLS believes the seven recommendations in the report would broadly impact the mission of strengthening NIH. 

• Introduce yourself to your members of Congress via the Advocacy Action Center.    

• Watch the Neuroscientist’s Guide to Advocacy series to understand the tools you need to help advance the field.    

• Learn how to engage your members of Congress and effectively advocate for science with SfN's Advocacy Best Practices.    

• Get involved in global advocacy.    

• Talk to the public about the importance of animal research.    

• Reach out to advocacy@sfn.org for assistance in preparing for your next advocacy effort at home or on Capitol Hill.