Weekly Advocacy News Roundup
News
Australia Forges Partnership with the U.S. for Brain Research
October 6, 2015 | International Business Times
The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia announced a joint funding round with NIH to find more effective treatments and methods of prevention for brain conditions such as dementia, autism, epilepsy, depression and Parkinson’s disease. The project falls under the BRAIN Initiative launched by President Obama.
- Read about other worldwide neuroscience initiatives at SfN.org.
NIH Announces Common Fund 2015 High-Risk, High-Reward Research Awardees
October 6, 2015 | NIH News & Events
Seventy-eight grants have been awarded to scientists proposing highly innovative approaches to major contemporary challenges in biomedical research, under the High-Risk, High-Reward Research program supported by the NIH Common Fund.
- Find out more about NIH funding opportunities at Neuronline.
Brazilian Science Paralysed by Economic Slump
September 30, 2015 | Nature
In recent years, Brazil's quick economic growth has slowed and ground to a halt, drastically affecting federal science funding for local researchers. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has seen a 25% cut as well as a 75% cut to the Ministry of Education, with state budgets showing strain as well.
- Learn about global science advocacy at SfN.org.
NSF Peer Review Remains Target for Congress
October 8, 2015 | Science
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill altering NSF’s review process. The bill would require NSF officials to explain why every grant they make is “in the national interest,” using seven criteria that range from “increased economic competitiveness” to “promotion of the progress of science.”
- Read about science funding resources at SfN.org.
Articles of Interest
Brain Surgery in Prime Time: National Geographic to Showcase Deep Brain Stimulation Procedure
October 8, 2015 | Medical Daily
Later this month, the National Geographic Channel will air a live deep brain stimulation operation. Neurosurgeons Jonathan Miller, Benjamin Walter, and Jennifer Sweet will perform the delicate procedure on a fully awake patient, who will be able to speak and answer questions throughout, at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland.
- Read more about deep brain stimulation at BrainFacts.org.
Neuroscience: The Aesthetic Brain
October 8, 2015 | Nature
By studying how the brain responds to beauty, researchers hope to understand why we give some people an easier ride or appreciate certain artworks.
- Learn more about facial recognition and when it goes wrong at BrainFacts.org.
Opinion
Scientists Leave Labs To Fight for Change at Ballot Box
October 2, 2015 | The Chronicle Herald
Canadian scientists, upset by deep cuts in government funding for science following lobbying by the oil and pipeline companies, are entering the political fray leading up to the October 19 Canadian election.
- Find out more about advocacy programs for science funding in the U.S. at SfN.org.
