Alarming News
Earlier today, House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) announced proposed funding cuts of roughly 6% in FY25 non-defense discretionary (NDD) spending, with some subcommittees, including the Labor-HHS Subcommittee, receiving 10-11% cuts. It is exactly the wrong time for Congress to reduce our nation’s competitiveness in research and development (R&D) and slow the scientific, medical, and public health progress we need. While these funding levels are not final, they are very troubling. Read our statement.
If there was ever a time to speak up for R&D, that time is now. We’ve put together this “click to tweet”, which focuses on NIH funding (it is editable to advocate for other research agencies as well).
More on The Hill: In 2023, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, solicited feedback from stakeholders on potential NIH reforms in anticipation of reauthorization hearings (timing TBD). Last week, Sen. Cassidy released a white paper incorporating feedback he received. Provocative in some areas and informative in many ways, the report is well worth the read. To help navigate this document, we have developed this overlay with quick links to each section and subsection of the report.
Bayh-Dole Brainstorm: As we await further action by the National Institute of Standards and Technology on its controversial proposed Bayh-Dole Act “March-in Rights” framework, Research!America is planning an informal brainstorming session on Friday, June 28, at noon ET, for alliance members to generate ideas on Bayh-Dole advocacy. We will be providing several new advocacy resources at this discussion. If you are interested in participating and are with a Research!America member organization, please email Erin Darbouze. For more information on Bayh-Dole, check out our Bayh-Dole FAQ.
Leadership of the National Science Board: The National Science Board (NSB) announced on Tuesday that Darío Gil, Senior Vice President of IBM Research, member of the Science and Technology Action Committee (STAC), and Research!America emeritus board member, was named as chair of the NSB. We welcome Darío’s leadership at the NSB, which governs the NSF and advises Congress and the President on science policy, and look forward to working with him and his colleagues.
Meet the NIAID Director: Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), will join us for a fireside chat on Wednesday, May 22, at 11 a.m. ET. Dr. Marrazzo will discuss the NIAID’s broad research portfolio, the key role it plays in pandemic R&D, and its response to the growing threat of neglected tropical diseases and antimicrobial resistance in the U.S. We welcome your questions and hope you will join us for this informative session. Register now.
Time Is Running Out: We are fast approaching the Friday, May 31, deadline to submit nominations for Research!America’s 2025 Advocacy Awardees! Help us recognize individuals and organizations whose commitment to advocacy for research and innovation has advanced medical, public health, and scientific progress in profoundly important ways. Take a look at the award descriptions and submit your nominations now.
Early Career Researcher Summit Coming Soon!: In just a few weeks, we will host our fourth annual Reaching the Peak: A Science & Technology Early Career Researcher Summit Series. This popular series of free, virtual programs throughout June enables early career researchers to explore an array of career paths, network with fellow researchers, participate in professional development workshops on science communication and science policy and advocacy, hear from distinguished leaders, and engage in meaningful discussions around research funding and policy issues. Secure your spot today!
A Legend in Supporting S&T: Science lost a legend last Friday with the death of Jim Simons, an award-winning mathematician who empowered breakthroughs in understanding autism, the origins of the universe, cellular biology, computational science and more. Jim served as a member of and supported the work of STAC. He and his wife Marilyn established the Simons Foundation 30 years ago to support the work of scientists and organizations that often struggle to find funding for important, impactful work. As a STAC statement said Friday, Jim will serve as a source of inspiration to scientists and philanthropists for generations to come.