A Striking Resemblance
With Congress back in Washington, work has restarted on the nine remaining FY26 spending bills. On Tuesday, House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) met with his Senate counterpart, Susan Collins (R-ME). Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is reportedly working to secure support from all 100 senators for bundling several bills, including Labor-HHS and Defense. However, with the Senate departing today for the Thanksgiving recess, no action is expected before December.
It has occurred to me that the appropriations process bears a striking resemblance to science in at least one important respect: what can seem like a straightforward process is actually a long and winding, work-intensive road. We extend our deepest appreciation to appropriators and their respective staff members for their determination to get the job done. This week, Research!America sent letters to House and Senate appropriators reiterating our key priorities for the Labor-HHS legislation.
Americans for Medical Research: Research!America, in close partnership with more than 30 scientific and clinical societies and foundations, has launched Americans for Medical Research. This public awareness campaign focuses on the value of U.S. investment in medical and health research. As part of the campaign, we are displaying ads in the Washington, D.C., metro area. The ad pictured here is currently on display in three terminals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Learn more about the campaign here.
Clinical Trial Disruptions: The Washington Post recently covered a new study showing that funding disruptions have affected 383 clinical trials (about 1 in 30 trials) and more than 74,000 participants. The study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine. (Subscription required.)
Americans’ Views on Clinical Trials: In a national survey we commissioned earlier this year, the majority (64%) of survey respondents agreed that consideration of clinical trial participation should be a part of regular health care. Learn more about Americans’ views on medical and health research here.
Healthful Foods and Diets Workshop: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will host a workshop exploring the development of more healthful foods and diets on Dec. 5. Discussions will focus on factors that go beyond nutrition, such as food processing, additives, sensory science, and consumer perceptions. Register here.
Speaking of Food and Diets… This workshop brings to mind more findings from a national survey on food and nutrition that we commissioned last year. Nearly half (46%) of survey respondents said it was hard for them to regularly obtain and eat nutritious foods. Further, more than half (54%) believe the U.S. is not making enough progress in making nutritious food accessible and affordable. Read more about this survey here.
Golden Goose Award Nominations: The Golden Goose Awards help raise awareness about the long, bumpy, and not always soundbite-friendly path of scientific discovery. The awards honor researchers whose seemingly obscure, federally funded research has had a major impact on society. Nominations for the 2026 award cycle are now open! Submit your nomination by Dec. 12.
In the Media: I was pleased to speak with journalist Faith McLellan about my friend and colleague, Dr. Georges Benjamin, for a feature article in The Lancet about his work as the executive director of the American Public Health Association. The Research!America community is proud to work with Dr. Benjamin as a staunch advocate for health and vice chair of our Board of Directors. Access the article here. (Subscription required.)
Ellie Dehoney was recently quoted in MedPage Today on the environment for federally funded medical and health research. Read the full article here. (Subscription required.)
Upcoming Member-only Meeting: Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at noon ET for an Alliance Member-only Meeting with Garrett Devenney, advocacy director for ACT for NIH. In addition to reviewing the latest on the FY26 appropriations process, we’ve asked Garrett to discuss the forward funding challenge and related advocacy efforts. There will be plenty of time to catch up on other R&D-relevant topics. If you are affiliated with a Research!America member organization, email Jacqueline Lagoy for the Zoom registration link.
Deadline Extended: The application deadline for our Civic Engagement Microgrant Program and Public Engagement Content Awards has been extended to Monday, Dec. 1. Apply today!
Support Our Work: Despite funding pressures and disruptions to research, supporters like you have helped to keep research visible on Capitol Hill, in the media, and in communities nationwide. Research!America continues to educate policymakers, elevate the voice of research, and equip our alliance with timely briefings, data, and advocacy tools.
This season, we’re grateful for your partnership. If you’re able, please consider a year-end gift to strengthen advocacy in the year ahead. Donate here.
Thanksgiving Schedule: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday next Thursday, the Weekly Letter will be published a day early, on Wednesday, Nov. 26.