Advocacy Network Newsletter

Tell Congress to Pass Appropriations For FY2022 And Reject Future CRs

Join your fellow NeuroAdvocates in urging Congress to reject the use of continuing resolutions by passing FY2022 appropriations packages before the end of current funding. Send your Representative and Senators a message via SfN’s Advocacy Action Center and personalize it by including why predictable funding for biomedical research is important to you.

SfN Announces The 2022 ECPA Class

The 2022 class of Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPAs) has been announced! In one of the most diverse classes, we welcome 15 early-career scientists representing a variety of backgrounds and geographic locations, including Canada. Ambassadors gain the necessary skills to advocate for science and to encourage those in their personal networks to join the conversation, kicking off by participating in SfN’s annual Hill Day. We look forward to working with this group of Ambassadors and helping them become great advocates for biomedical research. 

Be Prepared to Defend Against Animal Rights Oppositional Efforts

Following SfN's Animals in Research Panel webinar titled How to Prepare for, Defend Against, and Recover from Animal Rights Oppositional Efforts, an article was published on Neuronline detailing the stories of panelists, Dr. Eric Nestler, Dr. Sharon Juliano, and Matthew Bailey about how their work, reputation and at times, their life, were threatened by these groups, and the individual and institutional steps that can be taken to combat these efforts. All panelists encouraged scientists to complete these action items and resources that were made available to help support those who may face attacks from animal rights groups. From setting a crisis management team at your institution to providing education about your research to the public and members of Congress, there are a number of ways to help protect yourself from possible attacks while also supporting the ethical use of animals in research.

Appropriation Committees Reach a Framework To Complete FY2022 Appropriations

The chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees announced that bipartisan negotiators have agreed to a framework to complete the FY2022 appropriations process, allowing subcommittees to begin finalizing an omnibus spending bill before the current continuing resolution ends. The Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research released a statement noting they are encouraged by the news and are urging Congress to work quickly to finalize a $46.4 billion investment in the NIH base budget for FY2022, as included in the House-passed spending bill.

NABR and FBR President Pushes Back Against Animal Research Misinformation

In an interview with SfN's Neuroscience Quarterly, the President of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) and Foundation of Biomedical Research (FBR), Matthew Bailey, shares new insights into public opinion on animal research and what neuroscientists can do to communicate the irreplaceable role animals play in their work. He shares that the pandemic has not triggered a significant change of public opinion about animal research, but the general public is more likely to support it when they are well-informed about the role of animal models in the development of medical treatments and vaccines and when decision makers and influential leaders publicly support animal research.

Register For Congressional Briefing on The Value of Animals In Research

The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) and American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) are hosting a virtual congressional briefing, “Non-Animal Models in Biomedical Research: We Aren’t There Yet” on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (ET). This Congressional briefing will convene scientific experts, animal care staff, policymakers, and regulators to clearly communicate ongoing challenges and misconceptions associated with animal research and understand the importance of implementing policies that prioritize human and animal health. Listen to the keynote speakers educate Congressional staffers on the value of animal research for scientific and economic progress and elucidate the challenges associated with broad use of non-animal alternatives.

SfN Advocacy Resources 

• Introduce yourself to the new 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.

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