As American as Science
We saw a great example of the interconnectedness of our research ecosystem at an event on Capitol Hill hosted by the Science & Technology Action Committee (STAC) yesterday. The event included leaders in academia and business, along with several members of Congress from both sides of the aisle (pictured here: Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA), who highlighted the vital role of federal research and development in driving innovation, creating economic growth, supporting U.S. global leadership, and empowering individual states and local communities. In his remarks, STAC Co-chair Sudip Parikh emphasized to attendees that now is the time to come together in advocacy to protect the scientific enterprise in the U.S. and maintain our global leadership.
United for Science Ad Campaign: A recent ad in The Washington Post, paid for by United for Science, conveys the significance of U.S. science and technology, as well as the fundamental importance of federal S&T investment. The ad states: “The only thing American science can’t do? Fund itself. That depends on the wisdom and leadership of those we send to Washington.” We couldn’t agree more. Use our advocacy tools to speak out in favor of federal funding for scientific, technological, medical, and health research.
University Research: In a recent interview with Alex Kantrowitz for Big Technology, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spoke up in support of fundamental research at academic institutions. This is a hard-hitting, wide-ranging read. In regard to federal research funding cuts, Rice asserted: “We have to be very careful that we’re not endangering something that is of high value to the United States, I would say, of irreplaceable value.” Read the full interview here.
Update on Indirect Cost Reimbursement Negotiations: As discussed in previous letters, a group of higher education associations has been working to develop a new methodology for reimbursing the indirect costs (otherwise known as “facilities and administrative” costs) of federally funded research. If you’ve been wondering about the status of that effort, check out this terrific update from the American Institute of Physics.
On the Hill: The House left Washington yesterday for August recess amid ongoing legislative delays. Before departing, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) advanced its FY26 spending bill, recommending $7 billion for the National Science Foundation. This funding level is $2.06 billion below FY25 but $3.1 billion above the president’s request. The full committee markup, originally scheduled for today, has been postponed until the House returns. You can read the report here.
The House Labor-HHS subcommittee markup is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 4. (As a reminder, this is the subcommittee responsible for allocating funding for NIH, CDC, AHRQ, BARDA, and other critical research and public health agencies.) The Senate will remain in session through the end of July and will reportedly take up its version of the Labor-HHS bill on July 31.
Use our editable email to urge your members of Congress to reject proposed budget cuts and protect the future of life-saving research.
Alliance Member-Only Meeting… More Rescissions? Join us on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at noon ET for a Research!America alliance member-only meeting where we’ll cover two major topics: 1) the possibility of another rescissions package sending more FY25 funding back to the federal treasury, potentially including federal research funding; and 2) advocacy over the August recess. To RSVP, members should email Jacqueline Lagoy for the Zoom registration link.
New CDER Director: Earlier this week, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary named Dr. George Tidmarsh as the new director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). Dr. Tidmarsh is a respected physician-scientist from Stanford University. Read more about this appointment here.
Save the Date: Mark your calendars for Research!America’s 30th Annual National Health Research Forum, taking place virtually on Sept. 3 and 10, and in person on Sept. 17. This year, we’re introducing a dynamic new format that will provide actionable insights and foster collaborative discussions into critical health and scientific challenges. This year’s theme is The Pulse of Progress. Registration and agenda information will be available in early August. Stay informed about the 2025 National Health Research Forum here.
Interested in supporting this event? Please contact Kristen Furlong to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Nominate A Champion: Time is running out to submit your nominations for our 2026 Advocacy Awards. The Advocacy Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose commitment to advocacy for research and innovation has advanced medical, public health, and scientific progress in profoundly important ways. Please review the award descriptions and submit your nominations now. The deadline is next Thursday, July 31, so don’t delay!
Stepping Down: Today I announced that I will be stepping down as President and CEO of Research!America early next year. I’ve had the enormous joy of working with so many of you, as well as generations of board members and staff, for 35 years! It’s time for new leadership and vision at Research!America. I’ll always have our mission in my heart and soul – and this wonderful community is a big part of the reason why. Stay tuned for more reflections in the weeks and months ahead. And in the meantime, let’s get to work – we have advocacy to do!