Advocacy

Measuring Advocacy Outcomes

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Measuring the effects of science advocacy is a challenge. To effectively allocate your resources, this webinar will explore ways to gauge performance against short- and long-term advocacy goals, manage expectations, and identify gaps in science advocacy metrics. Speakers will touch on how to evaluate public opinion survey data about support for science and tailor your advocacy messages and approaches in light of that data.

Inspiring Others to Be Science Advocates

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

This webinar will provide you with everything you need to build and maintain relationships with the community and get the public excited about science.

Gain insight from experts on how to inspire your scientist peers and nonscientists to engage in advocacy and outreach in support of science. Through participating in public activities such as Science on Tap and Nerd Nite, holding informal coffee meetings with your colleagues, and partaking in other activities, you can empower others to get involved.

In this webinar, expert advocates will demonstrate creative ways to attract a nonscientific audience to your events. You will hear to thoughtfully select topics and speakers and develop and implement powerful marketing strategies.

Strategies to Maximize Your Advocacy Results

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to tailor your advocacy strategy to effectively reach members of Congress and the administration.

In preparation for SfN’;s Capitol Hill Day in March 2018 and the annual appropriations process, this webinar will arm science advocates with timely and relevant information on how to best prepare for Hill meetings and how to tailor messages to the current political environment. The webinar will also help you take your science advocacy to the next level by understanding how to do targeted communications and actions.

How to Engage Your Members of Congress

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Neuroscientists at all career stages have meaningful perspectives to share with policymakers about why supporting the scientific enterprise is so important for the field and society. In this webcast, you will learn ways that you can persuasively advocate for science, and hear how recent Congressional actions may impact funding for biomedical research issues and your work.

The Federal Budget Process and What It Means For Your Lab

Fri, 10 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

This webcast will give you an overview of how the budget and appropriations processes are supposed to work, and how they are working under the current legal and political climate.

Watch this webcast to:

Understand the meaning of key budgetary terms
Learn what the failure of the budget process means for scientific research funding through agencies like NIH
Discover opportunities to advocate for neuroscience funding

Leveraging Public Opinion in Support of Science

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Public support of science can be instrumental in influencing congressional support of research funding. While public support for science is strong, few Americans understand our nation’;s scientific enterprise.

In this webinar, speakers will provide tips for effectively communicating about the importance of science, the patient experience, and recent discoveries that have potential policy implications to help ensure the public continues their strong support of federally funded scientific research.

Leveraging data from Research!America, University of California, San Francisco, ScienceCounts, and other relevant sources, speakers will analyze public opinion survey data on scientific issues to help scientists frame messages that address knowledge gaps in scientific literacy, as well as craft concise, compelling narratives such as the 3-Minute Thesis.

Advocacy Around the World

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

It is important for scientists worldwide to advocate for increased science funding. Depending on the cultural context, however, your outreach approach —; including how and when you communicate with policymakers —; and whether advocacy is even a possibility —; will differ. In this webinar, speakers from the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, the International Brain Research Organization, and SfN's Government and Public Affairs Committee will discuss why their advocacy efforts were successful and what you can do to promote science research in your local community.

Communicating Your Science to the Non Expert

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

This resource was featured in the NeuroJobs Career Center. Visit today to search the world’;s largest source of neuroscience opportunities.

What a paradox. As a neuroscientist, your research could benefit all of humanity, yet it’;s so hard to talk about with the very people who it could help. That doesn’;t mean it’;s not important, or that you shouldn’;t try. In fact, it’;s essential you learn how to communicate your science with the public.

By talking about your research in a way that legislators, health advocates, reporters, and others can understand, we can increase excitement, funding, and support for science and lead to groundbreaking discovery.

Early Career Advocacy: How to Get Started

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Are you interested in advocacy but not sure where to start? Get inspired by this webinar. SfN's Early Career Policy Fellows (ECPF) will tell you about opportunities they’;ve pursued through SfN’;s ECPF program, and how you, too, can explore similar advocacy activities at your institution or SfN chapter.

Advocacy: Good For You, Your Institution, and the Field

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

So you understand the importance of science advocacy, but you’;re struggling to fit it into your packed schedule. Understanding how advocacy plays a role in your professional success and scientific discovery more broadly could help you make time for this essential activity.

Exploring Recent Discoveries in Neuroscience Research

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 11:58:00 GMT

The Society for Neuroscience and the American Brain Coalition, in cooperation with the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, invite you to Exploring Recent Discoveries in Neuroscience Research.

This congressional briefing will host esteemed neuroscientists discussing recent discoveries in neuroscience research. Panelists will review the transitional benefits provided by predictable federal funding of basic neuroscience research, to medical treatments and discoveries. Neuroscience topics to be discussed will include pain management and addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dementia.

Advocating Early in Your Career as a Scientist

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 13:52:00 GMT

SfN’;s Early Career Policy Ambassador (ECPA) program is designed to create an extensive network of neuroscience advocates. Ambassadors gain the skills needed to advocate for science and to encourage those in their personal networks to join the conversation.

Join ambassadors from the 2019 and 2020 classes as they share their experiences in the program, discuss changes in their advocacy strategies across the years, and answer questions for those interested in taking their advocacy efforts to the next level.

Learn more about the ECPA program.

Building and Maintaining Relationships With Members of Congress

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Science policy is shaped by the information made available to your representatives, so establishing relationships with them early on in their terms can help set the tone for what you accomplish together in the future.

This webinar will provide the “how-to” for connecting with your congressional delegation.

FENS Forum on an Environmentally Friendly Model for Life Sciences

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 14:43:00 GMT

After watching the video below, join us February 10th at 1:00pm for a ;live chat on the Neuronline Community ;and learn about the ways you can incorporate more sustainable practices in your work, and ask your questions on how to help move the field towards an environmentally friendly framework

This special interest event from the FENS (Federation of European Neuroscience Societies) 2020 Virtual Forum offered an opportunity to discuss what scientists can do to adopt a more sustainable model for life sciences. The organizers presented the results of a small survey performed among neuroscientists and their research institutes to trigger discussion and start identifying solutions regarding the environmental footprint of the life science community. A panel of academics, activists, and life science industry representatives, among others, shared their viewpoints and experiences implementing concrete actions towards an environmentally friendly life science framework. Learn more and check out the conversations in the video (above or below).

Organized by FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (FKNE).

Advocacy In Action: Reflections from SfN’s Hill Day

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:53:00 GMT

The 19th-annual Capitol Hill Day, SfN’;s hallmark advocacy event of the year, took place March 11–March 13, 2025, during which 49 advocates met with 57 congressional offices across 29 states.

Capitol Hill Day brings scientists and federal policymakers together to discuss advances in the field of neuroscience and advocate for SfN’;s legislative priorities including strong continued national investment in scientific research through NIH, the BRAIN Initiative, NSF, and the VA Medical and Prosthetic Research Program and the support for the ethical and responsible use of animals in biomedical research. By meeting directly with lawmakers and their staff, scientists can create a personal connection while sharing their expertise to advance research priorities.

How You Can Encourage Institutional Transparency on Animal Research

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

There are a few ways institutions can discuss animal research, according to Mar Sanchez, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University, core scientist at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, and past committee chair of SfN’s Committee on Animal Research.

She notes that institutions “have to be open to disclosing that they are doing animal research and the value of the animal research.” In addition, institutions “have to be planning. They have to be ready in case that their researchers get under attack by animal rights extremists.”

Watch this short video to learn:

Why it’s important to engage your institution.
What strategies institutions can take.
What may result without institutional preparedness.

A Blueprint for Science Advocacy

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 10:28:00 GMT

How can researchers advocate effectively, especially at the local level?

Over the course of my neuroscience career, I’;ve been engaged in various forms of outreach and advocacy. As my experiences have evolved, I’;ve been able to learn valuable lessons that have answered this question about how to make an impact.

The Undergraduate Influence: Strategies to Get Involved in Science Policy

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Undergraduate STEM students play a vital role in science policy and advocacy. As the next generation of scientists, we can offer unique perspectives to our senators and representatives.

Hosting a Lab Tour? Here Are Some Planning Tips

Thu, 09 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

As neuroscientists, it is critical for the future of our field that we help lawmakers understand the importance of scientific research to human health and economic development.

Hosting a lab tour with a federal representative is one avenue to advocate the significance of scientific research, as I learned when I planned lab tour visits with congressional representatives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Faculty, Leadership, and Advocacy: Perspectives from a Department Chair

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Part of being a scientist today is also being an educator and public servant. Gone are the days when scientists can stay in the lab, conduct experiments, and write papers.

As a department chair, I encourage my faculty to get involved in advocacy —; and even make it part of their annual work plan. I also work to increase support for advocacy among leadership. Here’;s how I approach getting everyone involved.

Why Advocacy is About More Than Funding

Wed, 08 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

At the 21st Annual Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) Exhibition and Reception on Capitol Hill, SfN set up a booth where neuroscientists discussed their research with U.S. policymakers and staffers. Clara Scholl is one of the scientists who participated. Here, she shares her observations and takeaways about what advocacy is all about.

Scheduling and Conducting Virtual Meetings with Policymakers and Staff

Thu, 14 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Although in-person meetings are preferable, virtual one-on-one or small group conversations are important when building and maintaining relationships with your elected officials and their offices. These virtual meetings are much like ones carried out in-person and can be effective in helping your issue stand out. Whether by telephone or videoconference, the following tips will help you schedule and prepare for a successful virtual appointment.

This video will cover:

How to prepare for a meeting, effectively execute, and then follow up.
How a virtual meeting and an in-person meeting are similar, as well as how they differ.
Ways to structure the conversation around what Congressional offices find valuable.

Advocating for Social Change as a Neuroscientist on Social Media

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 09:48:00 GMT

It should be clear to us by now that science is done by actual people whose intersectional identities, and the social challenges and trauma that come with them, don’t disappear when they enter the lab. Regardless of where they are, Black scholars and those belonging to other marginalized groups face overt, implicit, and systemic racism on a daily basis. Particularly in the last few years, US-based international researchers have regularly faced xenophobic and anti-immigrant policies from their host nation.

This year, international students and postdocs experienced damaging threats to their presence, security, and peace of mind as a result of new anti-immigrant policies targeting their visa programs. Many scientists promptly took to social media to respond to these actions.

Digital Advocacy and COVID-19 Update Town Hall Webinar

Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

SfN continues advancing the importance of basic and biomedical research during this unusual time. As Congress returns its attention to FY2021 and beyond, we invite you to continue to engage in your advocacy efforts at home.

The SfN Advocacy Team and their legislative advisors at CRD Associates, LLC. hosted a video conference (April 29, 2020) to provide an update on the current policy atmosphere, provide guidance on contacting members of Congress, and take questions. You can view a recording of that call here.

Thinking About Advocating? Here’s How to Start

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

This resource was featured in the NeuroJobs Career Center. ;Visit today ;to search the world’;s largest source of neuroscience opportunities.

Maybe you’;re interested in advocating for science but are waiting to have more time in your career. Or maybe you don’;t know where to find groups that can show you how. Either way, this advice from three scientist-advocates from across the career spectrum will help you get started.

Why It’s Important To Be Open About Animal Research

Fri, 15 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

In this series of videos from Improving Openness in Animal Research in Portugal, an event that coincided with the establishment of the Portuguese Transparency Agreement, learn why it’s important for scientists to be proactive in giving the public information on the use of animals in research.

By hearing perspectives from a variety of speakers, each of whose work is connected to animal research in some way, you’ll better understand what the public want to know, what information is helpful to share, and how to communicate in a way that contributes to collective understanding of the importance of the responsible use of animals in research.

Deep Brain Stimulation: Patient Impact and Continuing Research

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 11:48:00 GMT

Animal models are essential to the development of life-changing medical devices and technologies.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), for example, used to treat brain disorders such as Parkinson’;s and dystonia, developed out of what clinician-scientist Alexandra Nelson calls a “discovery-based approach” to research. It’;s helped countless patients including John Downey, who lives with a form of early-onset dystonia called DYT1.

In this video, Downey shares how DBS gave him “a second life” and emphasizes the necessity of animal models —; and the work animal researchers do —; in allowing him that. Nelson, who works with mouse models to understand movement disorders, notes that clinical research in humans and animal research have complementary roles.

How to Use Your Scientific Training to Change Science Policy

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 10:47:00 GMT

A scientist by training, Karen L. Jones followed her passion for sharing her research with others to become a neuroscience advocate and is now working toward a career in science policy, as the inaugural Trudy Schafer Advocacy Fellow at the League of Women Voters of California. Read her advice for getting started in advocacy as well as why she believes all scientists should advocate, how your scientific background can inform conversations, and policy career opportunities for scientists.

Improving Openness in Animal Research

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

As part of an effort to provide scientists with strategies to openly communicate about animal research with the wider public, the European Animal Research Association, a communications and advocacy organization promoting biomedical research across Europe, hosted a workshop series — Improving Openness in Animal Research in Germany — where speakers shared best practices for communicating about animal research.

“Today, transparency and openness are the zeitgeist,” says EARA Executive Director Kirk Leech, who emphasizes that sharing information can help the public and media to understand the necessity of animal models and to support responsible animal research.

Watch the workshop and panel discussion to learn how to:

Improve public understanding of the importance of animal research in basic and applied scientific research by explaining statistics on animal use and partnering with other countries to develop a unified message.
Increase trust among the broader public by talking to journalists, opening up your lab, and sharing emotions you’ve experienced as well as values you uphold in conducting your research.
Anticipate sensitive issues, respond to negative media campaigns, and work with your institution to follow a communications plan.

Four Ways to Help Students Become Science Advocates

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 09:10:00 GMT

“In my career, I spent a long time educating undergraduate students, and what I realized is I was teaching my students how to communicate with scientists, by writing scientific papers —; but what I hadn't done was teach them how to talk about science to people who weren't scientists,” says Jennifer Yates, assistant director of the Innovation in Learning Center at the University of South Alabama.

Yates’; story isn’;t an anomaly in the scientific community. That’;s why stories like hers illustrate the importance of creating a culture within training programs that prioritizes sharing science with nonscientists and teaching students how to do that effectively.

Positioned to Lead: William Martin on Global Advocacy

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Much of science advocacy is local by nature, but it also has tremendous potential to bring neuroscientists together on a global scale.

In this episode of ;History of SfN: 50^th ;Anniversary, Bill Martin, the president and chief operating officer of Blackthorn Therapeutics, traces the evolution of SfN’;s role in global advocacy efforts throughout his time on its ;Government and Public Affairs Committee ;and continued involvement with the Society.

Invigorate Your Advocacy Work

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:03:00 GMT

This resource was featured in the NeuroJobs Career Center. ;Visit today ;to search the world’;s largest source of neuroscience opportunities.

I was recently selected as one of the top neuroscience advocates in the country through SfN’;s year-long NeuroAdvocate Challenge. I feel honored to be chosen and grateful for the opportunities given to me as a top advocate, including an invitation to speak to members of Congress about neuroscience funding at SfN’;s 2021 virtual Capitol Hill Day.

When the NeuroAdvocate Challenge was launched in October 2019, I decided to participate because I was approaching the end of my doctorate, was (and still am) interested in pursuing a career in science policy and advocacy, and welcomed an external source of motivation to keep practicing community outreach.

As I reflect on the past year of advocacy, there are a handful of guiding principles that kept me motivated, accountable, and effective in my work. I hope these principles help you feel confident in your own advocacy work.

The Dichotomy of Advocating for Ethical Animal Research

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:20:00 GMT

Animal research, even when scrupulously regulated and performed with the upmost care and kindness, remains an ongoing ethical conundrum for many, including myself. I am a lover of animals, big and small.

However, I would not be alive today without the fruits of animal model research. I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was a young child and have lived with this disorder my entire life. I rely on basic research, specifically animal model research, for new anti-seizure drugs and other novel treatments. The fruits of animal research continue to improve my life and the lives of other epilepsy patients daily.

Meet the ECPAs: Craig McFarland

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:27:00 GMT

Read on to learn about Craig McFarland, the latest interview in the Meet the ECPA series. Craig serves as an SfN Early Career Policy Ambassador, a Dana Foundation fellow, and founder and president of the Harvard Ethics Society.

Be Prepared to Defend Against Animal Rights Oppositional Efforts

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The Society for Neuroscience hosted a live webinar, ;How to Prepare for, Defend Against, and Recover from Animal Rights Oppositional Efforts, which included moderator and Chair of SfN’;s Animals in Research Committee Katalin Gothard, MD, PhD and panelists Eric Nestler, MD, PhD, Sharon Juliano, PhD, and Matthew Bailey, President of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) and the Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR),

Both scientists were victims of oppositional efforts from animal rights groups, and they shared how their work, reputation and at times, their lives, were threatened by these groups, and the steps that they and their institutions took to combat the efforts.

Meet the ECPAs: Elena Kozina

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 10:12:00 GMT

Learn about Elena Kozina, PhD, a 2024 Early Career Policy Ambassador and Parkinson’s researcher at Thomas Jefferson University, as she details how growing up and attending college in post-Soviet Russia has instilled in her a passion for science advocacy.

Meet the ECPAs: Katherine Gonzalez

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:29:00 GMT

In the next interview in the Meet the ECPA series, Katherine Gonzalez shares what inspired her to pursue a political science degree in addition to chemistry in her undergraduate studies, and what she is focusing on now as she pursues a PhD in neuroscience, all at the University of Florida.

Meet the ECPAs: Rebecca Ravenelle

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:58:00 GMT

Read onto learn about Rebecca Ravenelle, a postdoctoral research fellow in the T32 Late-Life Neuropsychiatric Disorders program at Columbia University.

Meet the ECPAs: Andrew Strohman

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 09:59:00 GMT

Read onto learn about Andrew Strohman, an MD and PhD candidate at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, and what sparked his interest science policy and advocacy in this next interview in the “Meet the ECPAs” series. ;

Meet the ECPAs: Thomas Xin

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:42:00 GMT

Read onto learn about Thomas Xin, fourth-year graduate student in the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program at Yale University, interested in communicating science to the public and advocating for those affected by uncertain NIH funding. ; ;

Meet the ECPAs: Claire Robey

Wed, 08 May 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Read onto learn about Claire Robey, a fifth-year PhD student at Uniformed Services University hoping to address the lack of sex-disaggregated data in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research as a 2024 ECPA. ;

Meet the ECPAs: India Pursell

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:56:00 GMT

Learn about India Pursell, a 2024 Early Career Policy Ambassador and graduate student, as she details her advocacy journey and her passion for promoting early involved in STEM for young girls. ;

Meet the ECPAs: Anastasiia Gryshyna

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 11:49:00 GMT

This interview is part of the “Meet the ECPAs” collection, which spotlights current Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPA) on their careers, interest in science policy, and current advocacy work. Read onto learn about Anastasiia Gryshyna, a doctoral student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham interested in basic science and pelvic pain.

Meet the ECPAs: Clara Zundel

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:30:00 GMT

Read on to learn about Clara Zundel, the latest interview in the Meet the ECPA series. Zundel is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University School of Medicine and is dedicated to bridging the gap between scientists and policymakers to ensure that evidence-based decisions are being made.

Make Your Voice Heard: Advocate for Science Now

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:44:00 GMT

Now is a key time for NeuroAdvocates to speak up for science. The Senate Appropriations Committee has proposed a $400M increase in NIH funding for FY26—;your voice can help ensure it moves forward.

Explore these tools to support your outreach.

Wealth Inequality in Distribution of NIH Funding to Rural States

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 15:19:00 GMT

Much conversation has occurred regarding increasing wealth inequality over the years in the United States. We wished to examine this issue with respect to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Substantial increases have occurred in NIH funding over recent years. According to SfN’s congressional testimony on NIH funding, the agency’s budget has grown by $9 billion in the past six years. While many have acknowledged the value of this increased investment in research, colleagues at smaller institutions have anecdotally not noticed a major change.

We examined whether relevant data could address if there is, indeed, an increase in wealth inequality in NIH-research funding across institutions in the United States.

SfN Advocacy Highlights From 2025

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:45:00 GMT

SfN remains dedicated to supporting the neuroscience community, uniting members locally, nationally, and internationally to raise global support for investment in basic research and neuroscience discovery. Explore SfN’;s advocacy efforts from 2025 below.

Meeting the Moment: SfN Chapters Advocate in Uncertain Landscape

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:13:00 GMT

Advocacy is not a one-time effort—;it is an ongoing commitment that sustains the future of neuroscience. As SfN chapters continue to support education, training, and community engagement, advocacy plays a critical role in ensuring that neuroscience research remains a priority for policymakers, funding agencies, and the public. Read on to learn why sustained advocacy matters, how individual scientists and chapters can make a meaningful impact, and how SfN can support your efforts.