APS Comments on Biomedical Workforce
The APS submitted comments in response to a request for information from the National Institutes of Health about implementing recommendations from the working group on the biomedical workforce. (PDF)
President Releases FY 2014 Budget Plan
President Obama released his FY 2014 budget plan with ambitious increases for most biomedical research funding agencies.
Congress Passes FY 2013 Funding Bills
On March 26, 2013, President Obama signed into law a package of legislation (H.R. 933) that will fund federal programs through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2013, including research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA and Medical and Prosthetic Research at the VA.
APS Urges NIH to Revisit Chimpanzee Recommendations
The APS supports NIH’s efforts to utilize a science-based approach to resolve issues related to future research and care of chimpanzees, President Dr. Susan M. Barman said in a letter to Dr. James Anderson, Director of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives. Nevertheless, the APS concluded that the report was “deeply flawed.”
Funding Agency Update: “Program and Policy Updates from the NIH and NSF”
This EB session will feature representatives of the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation who will provide updates on existing programs, address new initiatives and research priorities at their agencies, and outline plans for future activities and emerging opportunities for researchers.
Science Policy Symposium: “How to Be a Science Advocate in Your Own Backyard”
Although scientists understand the importance of advocacy, some may not know how to get started or lack the time to initiate or undertake their own advocacy programs. This symposium gives researchers some practical tips and tools for getting started and help them understand where the most accessible opportunities are.
Congress Averts Fiscal Cliff with Last Minute Deal
On January 1, 2013, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (H.R. 8) with broad bipartisan support. Passage of this legislation prevents the country from going over the “fiscal cliff”, a term widely used to describe the effects of a set of tax increases and spending cuts that were scheduled to go into effect on January 2, 2013.
Senator Wyden Notes Chimpanzee Research Needs
A last-minute push to bring the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act (GAPCSA) to the Senate floor during the lame duck session hit a roadblock when Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced that he had placed a “hold” on the bill.
APS Comments on Research Animal Transportation
On October 26, APS President Sue Barman sent letters thanking the CEOs of UPS and FedEx for their companies’ continued shipments of research animals. Recent campaigns by animal rights groups have sought to pressure various carriers to curtail the shipment of various species. In her letters, Dr. Barman points out the many layers of protection in place to ensure the humane treatment of research animals. She also underscores the fact that biomedical research involving animals is intended to relieve suffering by finding cures for disease.
Public Outreach—A Toolkit for Investigators
Online versions and a text summary of the presentations given at the EB2012 Animal research& Public Outreach symposium. The symposium featured insights into public outreach from a researcher, a laboratory animal veterinarian, and a media relations expert, each one experienced in standing up to animal rights tactics.
APS Incorporates ILAR, NC3Rs Guidance on Animal Studies in Instructions for Authors
The APS Publications Committee has updated requirements for reporting studies involving animals in light of two recent reports.
APS Urges Public-Private Partnership on Public Access
APS submitted comments to a Request for Information from the Office of Science and Technology Policy concerning public access to peer-reviewed scholarly publications resulting from federally-funded research. In its comments, APS recommended that federal agencies “work in a collaborative manner with all stakeholders to develop an approach [to public access] that balances competing interests, ensures the rights of copyright owners, and provides for continued growth an innovation in scientific communication.”
APS Comments on OEG Ethics Regulation
The Office of Government Ethics proposed to change existing regulations such that federal employees would no longer have to obtain waivers to participate on non-profit boards as long as they comply with all conflict of interest rules set forth by their agency. The APS submitted comments in support of the rule change. (PDF)