BPS Members Send over 800 Messages Asking Congress to Pass FY 2017 Budget; Still Time to Act
Thanks to everyone who has responded to the BPS legislative alert to ask Congress to pass a FY 2017 budget and fund science. Almost 300 BPS members responded and have sent 825 email messages to Congress to date. Congress members do care what constituents think so these messages are critical.
A quick refresher on where we stand on the budget: The continuing resolution currently funding the government at FY 2016 levels expires on April 28. Congress must take action to prevent a government shutdown prior to that date. The scientific research community would very much like Congress to pass a FY 2017 budget that would direct more funding to NIH and other science agencies, as suggested and approved by House and Senate appropriation committees in December.
March for Science to Take Place Saturday, April 22
The March for Science will take place this Saturday, April 22, at over 500 locations worldwide. The March for Science in Washington DC will take place 9 am-3 pm on the National Mall and will feature teach-ins, a rally, and conclude with a march. The satellite events have set their own schedules. The Biophysical Society is an official partner of the March for Science.
Organizers are asking all marchers to RSVP for planning purposes.
There will be a meeting spot for BPS members, friends, and family in DC for the march at 9:30 AM in downtown DC. The location will be available on the BPS March for Science webpage later this week and will be sent by email to those that have requested march updates (Sign up here).
On the day of the March, add a post to your social media feed letting everyone know why you march: "I March Because...#Bps marches #marchforscience.
Stay tuned for follow-up advocacy actions. BPS has six weeks of activities planned!
Government-wide Federal Hiring Freeze Ends
The White House has called off its government-wide hiring freeze, but press reports indicate that the Department of Health and Human Services has chosen to keep the freeze in effect, which includes the National Institutes of Health. Agencies were advised by the White House that even though the freeze is lifted, agencies should eliminate unnecessary positions and come up with ways to reduce the federal workforce, as directed by President Trump's Mach 13 executive order requiring all federal agencies to develop plans to streamline programs.
NINDS is Seeking Input on Career Choices for Current and Recent Trainees
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is seeking input on career choice via a survey for current and recent trainees in neuroscience-related fields. The Institute recognizes that the landscape for scientific careers has changed and would like to better understand how and why individuals make career choices. The survey will be sent to current students and those who have completed a PhD since 2008, have applied or been appointed to any NINDS grant or supplement, and are a US citizen or permanent resident. More information and a flyer are available on the NINDS website.
National Academies Releases Report on Research Integrity
The National Academies of Science issued a report, Fostering Integrity in Research on April 11. This report updates a 1992 report on the same subject, taking into account changes in research over the past 25 years. The full report is available here.
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