Advocacy News from SfN

Join SfN for an Advocacy Training Program

SfN and trained neuroscience advocates will host a virtual Advocacy Training Program Wednesday, February 21, 1–3 p.m. EST. Attendees will learn best practices for being an effective advocate and gain the necessary skills to work with their communities and policymakers to advance neuroscience research and discovery, as well as encourage others to join the conversation. If you would like to attend, fill out this survey to secure your spot and receive the Zoom link. If you have any questions, contact advocacy@sfn.org. 

Advocacy Across the Field

Urge Congress to Pass FY 24 Appropriations

Send a message to your members of Congress letting them know that it is important they complete full-year appropriations for FY 24 and avoid cuts to research funding. Last month, Congress passed another continuing resolution, which extends government funding to Friday, March 1, for four appropriations bills and Friday, March 8, for the eight remaining bills, including Labor-HHS and CJS. Leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees reportedly reached an agreement on FY 24 funding totals for each of the 12 annual spending bills, allowing the committee to begin drafting them to fund federal agencies. It is critical to keep in mind the negative impacts a CR has and why it is imperative Congress complete full-year appropriations for FY 24. 

Learn More About ARPA-H’s Strategic Plan for FY 24–FY 26

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) released its strategic plan for FY 24 through FY 26. The strategic plan is intended to guide ARPA-H and serve as a framework for the agency’s mission of developing high-impact solutions for society’s most challenging health problems. Included in the plan is information on guiding principles, agency goals, and anticipated outcomes of ARPA-H work.  

Submit Comments to the Environmental Protection Agency about Their New Scientific Integrity Policy

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a public comment period on the draft updates to its Scientific Integrity (SI) Policy in accordance with the requirements of the 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-based Policymaking. The updated SI Policy will adopt a new Federal definition of scientific integrity and strengthen several policies that will help ensure a culture of scientific integrity at the EPA. It will incorporate the model scientific integrity policy from the National Science and Technology Council's A Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice (2023), lessons learned over the years, and the results of previous surveys of EPA staff on scientific integrity. Submit comments online or through mail before Friday, February 23. 

Apply for the 2024 NIH Office of Science Policy Summer Internship Program

The Office of Science Policy (OSP) Summer Internship Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate, graduate, and/or professional students to gain tangible science policy experience in support of the NIH mission. Interns will work alongside leading policy experts to learn strategies for advancing national science and technology policy and obtain practical experience in policy analyses and development. OSP is hosting interns for an 8–12-week period beginning in May or June 2024. Interns will receive a stipend commensurate with their level of education. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 12.  

SfN Advocacy Resources

• Send a message to your members of Congress using the Advocacy Action Center.
• Watch the Neuroscientist’s Guide to Advocacy series to understand the tools needed to help advance the field.
• Learn how to engage 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.