January 2025
Spotlight
NIH Study Provides Insight into Aging and Brain Cell Genetic Activity
Check out the recent news release published by the BRAIN Initiative highlighting new brain mapping research funded by NIH. The research found that not all cell types in the brain age in the same way. Scientists from the Allen Institute for Brain Science led the study and relied on mouse models to make this important discovery. to provide robust funding for the BRAIN Initiative in
SfN News
Meet Craig McFarland, a 2024 Early Career Policy Ambassador, on Neuronline
Learn about Craig McFarland’s research and advocacy projects in the last 2024 ECPA featured in this series. Thank you to everyone who applied for the 2025 ECPA class. SfN looks forward to announcing the new class soon.
Connect with SfN on BlueSky [link title to main sfn account]
SfN’s primary account for all things SfN is @sfn.org. BrainFacts, a public information initiative of SfN, is @brainfactsorg.bsky.social. SfN’s home for learning and discussion can be found @neuronlinesfn.bsky.social. SfN journals, JNeurosci and eNeuro, are @sfnjournals.bsky.social.
Federal News
Congress Passes FY 25 Continuing Resolution (CR)
Learn more about the second CR Congress passed ahead of their holiday recess in December . CR funds the government at FY 24 levels through Friday, March 14. While avoiding a shutdown is positive, CRs negatively impact biomedical research. It’s imperative for Congress to fund the government for the remainder of FY 25.
Mike Thompson Announced as New CNC Co-Chair
Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) was announced as the new co-chair of the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus (CNC) following the retirement of Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). He will join Representative Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), co-chair since March 2023. SfN looks forward to working with both representatives to advance neuroscience research priorities in the new Congress.
Representatives DeGette and Buschon Release Cures 2.1 White Paper
Read the recently released white paper by Representatives Diane DeGette (D-CO) and retired Larry Buschon (R-IN) synthesizing responses to their June 2024 request for information (RFI) on advancing the 21st Century Cures Act and Cures 2.0 Act. SfN’s response to the RFI focused on the BRAIN Initiative and the successes achieved through Cures funding, emphasizing the need to continue supporting the BRAIN Initiative and its critical research.
President-Elect Trump Announces OSTP Nominee
Learn more about President-Elect Trump’s recent nomination of Michael Kratsios for the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Kratsios previously served in OSTP during Trump’s first term and must be Senate-confirmed before taking office.
Across the Field
Enter Knowing Neuron’s NeuroPolicy Paper Competiton
Knowing Neurons, in collaboration with Society for Science, is hosting its second NeuroPolicy Paper Competition. Early career researchers are invited to submit short-form policy papers on neuroscience advocacy and policy topics by Friday, January 31.
Resources
- 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.
