Weekly Advocacy News Roundup
News
Science Spending Should Be 1% of GDP, say Greens
March 27, 2015 | BBC News
As the UK general election approaches, the Greens released a pledge to bring science funding up to 1 percent of the GDP. Other parties have voiced support for science, but have not put a number or amount with their support.
- Find information about science funding in the UK at SfN.org.
Max Planck Society Unveils €50 Million Support Plan for Young Scientists
March 27, 2015 | Science Insider
The Max Planck Society in Germany released a plan that will improve its support system for junior scientists by getting rid of a stipend system for foreign PhD students and implementing a support contract system.
- Read more about higher education and training at SfN.org.
Fast-Track Peer Review Controversy
March 31, 2015 | The Scientist
Nature Publishing Group instituted a policy that would allow authors to pay for expedited peer review by a private company, which led one editor to announce his resignation.
- Learn more about publishing and the peer review process at SfN.org.
UK Clarifies Controversial Media Restrictions on Scientists
April 2, 2015 | Nature News
A policy change that seemingly aimed to prevent scientists in government labs from talking to the media may not be as far-reaching as it first appeared, although much uncertainty remains about the policy.
- Join the advocacy network to stay informed on issues that affect neuroscience research at SfN.org.
Articles of Interest
For a More Creative Brain, Travel
March 31, 2015 | The Atlantic
The experience of traveling abroad can provide many benefits, including that it may make you more creative.
- Learn about unlocking creativity in the brain at BrainFacts.org.
Brain Development in Children Could Be Affected by Poverty, Study Shows
March 30, 2015 | The Guardian
Brain scans of children and young adults show that certain brain regions tend to be smaller in those from poorer backgrounds than those from wealthier families.
- Find information about brain development at BrainFacts.org.
Opinion
Funding for the NIH and Lay Communication Regarding Science
March 31, 2015 | OncLive
As biomedical research funding has decreased, it is important for scientists to communicate the importance of science funding.
- Access science funding advocacy tools at SfN.org.
