SfN Urges Congress to Invest in NIH, Not Slash Funding
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) supports robust and reliable funding for neuroscience research as an essential part of a strong federal investment in all science through key agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The administration’s proposal to cut NIH funding by $5.8 billion, or nearly 20 percent, would have devastating immediate and widespread repercussions on the advancement of the scientific enterprise and the search for treatments for more than 1,000 debilitating brain and spinal cord diseases that directly affect more than 100 million Americans each year. In addition, federal support for biomedical research provides one of the greatest returns on investment with respect to jobs and the economy.
SfN calls upon Congress to reject these proposed draconian cuts and invest in the future of biomedical research, rather than dialing it back. Federal investments in basic scientific research strengthen our country, resulting in improved public health and sustainable economic advantages for our nation, while also establishing the U.S. as a leader in biomedical research. SfN stands with partners such as Research!America in urging Congress to provide increased funding for research through NIH, NSF, and other agencies.
NIH has historically enjoyed strong bipartisan support. Advances made possible by NIH-supported research are unlocking the mysteries of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, autism, schizophrenia, addiction, and depression, among many others. As such, SfN stands with others in the biomedical research community in support of an increase in NIH funding of $2 billion above the final FY17 level as recommended by the Senate, in addition to release of the full funding for the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative in the 21st Century Cures Act, which passed Congress late last year with overwhelming bipartisan support. SfN also renews its call for Congress to support NSF with $8 billion in FY17 and again in FY18.
We live at a time of extraordinary opportunity in neuroscience, and the federal government must support the basic scientific research that will bridge understanding of diseases with new therapeutics. Today’s discoveries in the lab will pave the way for tomorrow’s treatments and cures, while serving as an engine of economic growth and opportunity for all Americans.
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is an organization of 37,000 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system. Learn more about SfN advocacy priorities surrounding research funding and about brain science at BrainFacts.org.
