This Week in Science Policy and Advocacy
Policy and Advocacy News
Science Division of White House Office Left Empty as Last Staffers Depart
June 30, 2017 | CBS
The science division of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OTSP) is officially empty following the departure of remaining staff. Under President Barack Obama, OTSP grew exponentially. The current administration reported that the work is still being done and that 35 staff across OTSP remain.
- Join the Advocacy Network to stay informed about issues related to neuroscience research at SfN.org
The U.S. Supreme Court Stymies Science
July 6, 2017 | Scientific American
This piece looks at Iranian scientist Mehraveh Salehi and the difficulties she has faced before and after the Supreme Court’s decision to enact a limited version of the administrations travel ban. The author reiterates the importance of international collaboration and challenges the scientific community to take action to help their colleagues who are being threatened by the ban.
- Learn about U.S. advocacy programs at SfN.org
UK Research Chief 'Will Not Direct Science'
July 4, 2017 | BBC
In an interview with Professor Sir Mark Walport, the chief executive of the Britain’s new United Kingdom Research and Innovation agency (UKRI) outlines his vision for the new agency. Walport also addresses concerns about the new system, highlighting his dedication to ensuring that UKRI funds curiosity driven research, encourages scientists to collaborate across fields, and keeps the UK at the forefront of innovation.
- Find information about global advocacy programs at SfN.org
Europe's Next Big Science-Funding Program Urged to Double its Budget
July 4, 2017 | Nature
Academic and industry experts invited by the European Commission released a report urging the EU to double the budget of its next funding scheme, Framework Program Nine (FP9). The EU’s current research funding program is Horizon 2020 (H2020), a seven-year, $85 billion program. Due to Brexit negotiations, the commission is not close to determining the post-2020 budget and likely will not propose FP9 details until the end of the year.
- Find science funding resources at SfN.org
Opinion
Funding for Alzheimer's Research: Invest for the Long Term
July 5, 2017 | The Hill
In this op-ed, the author argues for the importance of investing in Alzheimer’s research, especially given our aging population. While increased investment in Alzheimer’s research by NIH in recent years is promising, the author states that sustained investment is needed to build upon the promising discoveries.
- Contact your representatives and tell them to reject cuts to scientific research and raise budget sequestration caps
Science is Patriotic
June 30, 2017 | Scientific American
The New York City Chapter of 500 Women Scientists, a grassroots organization led by women
scientists, discusses the parallels between scientific values and American values, and the intertwining of science with American history. 500 Women Scientists also reinforce their commitment to continue fighting for science during this time of budget cuts and skepticism.
- Find science funding advocacy tools at SfN.org
Trudeau Government Must Invest in Basic Science: Editorial
July 3, 2017 | The Star
In this op-ed, the Star Editorial Board calls on Trudeau’s government to increase investment in basic science. The board also notes the recommendation from an independent federal panel, which called for an increase in basic research, and the disappointment that followed Science Minister Kristy Duncan’s lukewarm comments on the future of research funding.
- Learn how to communicate your science at Neuronline
Articles of Interest
Poor Sleep Tied to Increased Alzheimer's Risk
July 5, 2017 | The New York Times
A recent study of older individuals found that poor sleep quality could be an indication of increased risk for Alzheimer’s. The study analyzed the spinal fluid in participants for indicators of plaques and tangles characteristic of Alzheimer’s. The reason for association is unclear, and the authors noted that not everyone with poor sleep is destined to develop Alzheimer’s and further research in this subject area should be undertaken.
- Find more information about Alzheimer’s at BrainFacts.org
The AI Revolution in Science
July 7, 2017 | Science
This article looks at artificial intelligence (AI), how it is transforming science, and common terms associated with it. Additionally, there is discussion of a need to better understand how AI learns, leading to the new field some call “AI neuroscience.”
- Read more about neuroscience and computers at BrainFacts.org
