SfN Urges Robust Funding for Basic Science Research Through Letter to President, Op-Eds
SfN President Eric Nestler has expressed the Society’s support for robust funding of basic biomedical through several venues, including two op-eds and a letter sent to President Donald Trump.
In an op-ed published in The Hill, Nestler highlights the importance of funding for basic scientific research through NIH and other federal agencies. He also emphasizes the fact that support from the corporate sector is complementary to federal funding, as the projects the corporate sector funds require answers that come from federally funded basic research. Nestler also explains that that an increase in research funding is critical for the health of the U.S. economy and the American people.
In an op-ed published in the San Francisco-based East Bay Times, Nestler and SfN Government and Public Affairs Committee Chair Bill Martin urge for grassroots efforts to support federal funding of biomedical research. They stress how important this funding is to the Bay Area’s research institutions and economy, and to the future health and welfare of people in the Bay Area, across the U.S. and the world. Nestler and Martin encourage citizens to contact their senators and representative to urge them to continue strong support for federal funding of biomedical research.
Finally, on January 24, Nestler sent a letter to Trump urging him to take early and strong action to support federal funding for neuroscience research through NIH, NSF, and other government agencies. Nestler emphasized the economic benefits and medical innovations that come from investment in research, and notes that programs like the BRAIN Initiative are critical for developing new tools and techniques in science, as well as fostering public/private collaborations.
