Bioscience Briefing

For info about biomedical funding, animal research and other bioscience issues, click here.

Science Policy Announcements

For the latest news from the APS Science Policy click here.

Legislation Watch

So-called "Pet Safety Bills" don't protect pets but they do pose a threat to medical research. More information

Resource Book Now Available

Click here for more info on The APS Resource Book for the Design of Animal Exercise Protocols.

Science Policy

Current Highlights

APS Supports $1 Billion for NIH in Senate Economic Recovery Package 11/18/08

APS sent letters to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd thanking them for the inclusion of $1 billion for NIH in the Economic Recovery Package under consideration in the Senate.

APS Calls for NIH Funding in Economic Recovery Package 10/29/08

As Members of Congress consider solutions to the current economic crisis, the APS wrote urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to consider including additional funds for the NIH in the economic stimulus measures under consideration.

APS members visit Capitol Hill 9/16/08

At the conclusion of the September meeting of the Public Affairs Committee, APS members visited several Congressional offices to highlight the importance of federal funding for biomedical research.

Leadership Changes at NIH

On September 24, 2008, NIH Director Elias Zerhouni announced his resignation, effective November 1, 2008. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Levitt has appointed Raynard Kington acting Director of the NIH upon Zerhouni’s departure. Kington currently serves as the Deputy Director of NIH. Also announcing her resignation is Norka Ruiz-Bravo, Deputy Director for Extramural Research. Dr. Ruiz-Bravo will remain at the NIH as a Special Advisor to the NIH Director.

Congress Extends Current Levels of Research Funding into 2009

On the last day of the 2008 fiscal year (FY), President Bush signed into law a package of legislation that extends funding for government programs at current levels until March 6, 2009.

Update on SBIR/STTR Reauthorization

Following passage of legislation to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs in the House of Representatives, the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship unanimously passed a similar version of the legislation before adjourning for the August recess.

Peer Review at NIH 6/6/08

NIH continues to implement many of the recommendations made by the Advisory Committee to the Director, including shortening the length of grant applications, eliminating A2 applications, and creating a special designation for Early Stage Investigators (ESI). For the latest information, visit: http://enhancing-peer-review.nih.gov

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SBIR Reauthorization Passed by the House of Representatives 4/28/08

Thanks to an amendment sponsored by Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and the strong support of Representative David Obey (D-WI), the House reauthorization of two small business innovation programs did not include a proposal to increase the set-asides from research agencies including the NIH.

APS responds to NIH Peer Review Report 3/17/08

This February, the NIH released a Final Draft Report with recommendations for improving the peer review process for awarding grants. The APS issued the following response to the report, and will continue to work with the NIH as the agency implements the recommendations. To view the report in its entirety and offer your own comments, visit the NIH website at http://enhancing-peer-review.nih.gov.

NIH Director Elias Zerhouni Condemns Extremists 2/25/08

Elias Zerhouni declared “terrorism against researchers using animals is real and intolerable” in response to an attack on the home of a UCLA researcher.

SfN releases Best Practices for Protecting Researchers and Research 2/06/08

SfN has released a new document that recommends specific and proactive steps that research institutions can take to protect scientists who face intimidation, harassment, and physical attack by fringe anti-animal research extremists.

FASEB Launches Voter Education Initiative ScienceCures.org 1/15/08

FASEB has launched a new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.org, aimed at raising the profile of federal funding for biomedical research among the candidates and the general public. ScienceCures.org offers a variety of tools and resources to encourage scientists to become engaged in calling on our leaders to reinvigorate national investment in scientific research.