Sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 Americans . It’s an inherited disorder where red blood cells contort into the shape of a sickle. These cells die early, leaving healthy red blood cells in short supply and intermittently blocking organ blood flow. If not diagnosed early and properly managed, the disease can lead to serious complications, including severe pain, infection and stroke, and significantly reduced life expectancy. The many complications of sickle cell disease can make every stage of life extremely difficult for individuals with the disease. Making matters worse, many people living with sickle cell disease are unable to access state of the art care. National...

Last year, I attended the Houston March for Science as a Ph.D. student at Baylor College of Medicine. I marched to stand with my community and fellow scientists to foster support for research and scientific funding. I watched as thousands marched toward city hall, nerdy signs in hand, to demonstrate how scientific research has improved our medical care and shaped our understanding of the world. It was a watershed moment for researchers, making it apparent that a public voice for the scientific community was needed. I remember distinctly on that day: our message was heard loud and clear. Since the march, there has been an influx of scientists getting involved in local elections, and advocacy...

Dear Research Advocate: Is a rescission proposal to cut funding from the recently enacted FY18 omnibus appropriations bill possible? Unfortunately, we can’t rule it out, despite indications from some House and Senate Republicans that they would not vote to backpedal from approved spending. But, we have also been hearing that agencies are having to plan for a possible rescission and a recent article in Politico quotes Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) saying “it’s worth a discussion.” I urge you to join that discussion. Backtracking on support for science is not a productive way forward for a nation proud to set the world’s global economic high-water mark. Whether you took action...

The April 2018 newsletter is now online . Highlights from this month include: A special insert and recap of the 2018 Advocacy Awards Dinner and honorees. Research!America’s 29th Annual Meeting of Members, with keynote speaker Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30) , Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Upcoming webinars: “What are the Barriers in Advancing Migraine Research?” on Wednesday, April 11, 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET. and “Inspiring Others to be Science Advocates” on Wednesday, April 18, 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET On Saturday, April 14, 2018, scientists and science enthusiasts across the globe will gather for the March for Science, the second annual...