The Science Policy Office deals with issues that affect scientists and their work, particularly federal research funding and animal research. Our webpages provide news, background information, action alerts, and insights into becoming an advocate for biomedical research.
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If you have questions or comments, please email SciencePolicy@the-aps.org
The APS is committed to to fostering a diverse and inclusive scientific workforce and to the free exchange of ideas among scientists.
Air transportation is essential so scientists can work with animal models that otherwise would not be available for life-saving research. Moreover, it is the most humane transportation option for the animals themselves.
The APS underscores its commitment to the humane treatment of animals by requiring that steps be taken to ensure animal welfare if research studies are to be published in APS journals.
Animal experiments are to be undertaken only with the purpose of advancing knowledge. Consideration should be given to the appropriateness of experimental procedures, species of animals used, and number of animals required.
The American Physiological Society unequivocally condemns the targeting of individuals engaged in legitimate scientific inquiry.
A brief statement reaffirming the Society’s commitment to humane animal research.
The study of living systems is an essential component of physiology instruction.
Teaching laboratories that actively engage students in observation of and
interaction with living systems enhance student understanding of physiology.
Position statements are, by definition, brief, and typically do not capture the detailed analysis and discussion of the complex issues that they summarize. Therefore, it is important to provide additional information to help orient the reader to the discussion that shaped the position statement.
The APS supports a funding level for NIH of at least $35 billion in FY 2017. (PDF)
The APS supports a net level of $7.96 billion for NSF's FY 2017 budget, a restoration of cuts to NASA’s life sciences research budgets, and an increase in funding for the Human Research Program. (PDF)
The APS recommends that the VA Medical and Prosthetic Research Program be funded at a level of $664.7 million in FY 2017. (PDF)
APS letter to Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) about the The Federal Accountability in Chemical Testing (FACT) Act, which aims to encourage non-animal methods of testing and research but would not effectively result in improved animal welfare.
On May 23, 2017, the Trump administration released its FY 2018 budget proposal calling for large cuts to research at the NIH, NSF, NASA and the VA. The APS calls on members of Congress to reject these huge and damaging cuts to research.
APS issued a statement March 16 urging Congress to reject President Trump’s plan for drastic NIH budget cuts.
2014 coverage of the Capitol Hill visits by the Science Policy Committee and the Animal Care and Experimentation Committee in The Physiologist.
2013: The Physiologist coverage of two APS Committees' Hill Days.
2012: The APS President Sue Barman and the Science Policy Committee met with NHLBI Director Garry Gibbons Oct 2.