Research!America

06/04/2026

The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) proposed rule would significantly change how federal grants and cooperative agreements are awarded, managed, and terminated.

If finalized, the rule would, for example, allow termination of grants for policy reasons, not just compliance or performance failures; establish political appointees as the final decisionmaker on every grant and cooperative agreement; put in place a host of new administrative requirements for grantmaking agencies and recipients; and codify limits on racial, ethnic, and gender-related research.

Read more about OMB's rule change in this week's Weekly Letter. And learn about our advocacy efforts around this issue in Russ's Corner.

https://www.researchamerica.org/weekly-letter/some-rules-need-to-be-broken/

06/04/2026

Don't miss the latest volume of America Speaks!
📊 Use this poll data summary from Research!America when contacting your elected officials, writing letters to the editor, op-eds or articles, giving speeches, and advocating for research to improve health.

https://www.researchamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RA_PollDataSummary_2026book_final.pdf

Thank you to the American Medical Association (AMA) for their generous support of this summary!

06/03/2026

Scientists often want to engage with policymakers, but knowing where to start can be the hardest part. 🔬🏛️

Indiana Statehouse Engagement Day, organized by Cherry Cheung, PhD, with support from ESAL, turned that interest into action. Through civic engagement training, science communication support, and a nonpartisan framework, ESAL helped STEM trainees and early-career scientists show up prepared for meaningful conversations with legislative offices.

Participants left feeling more confident, inspired, and connected to the role scientists can play in civic life. 💬

Special thanks to the Union of Concerned Scientists and Research!America for their grant support in making this event possible. 🙏

Read the full event recap: https://esal.us/event-summary-indiana-statehouse-engagement-day/

06/03/2026

Coming up later this month: We're hosting a Capitol Hill briefing on the life-changing potential of Genetically Targeted Technology. Hear directly from some of the patients this technology serves.

🕣 Join us on Tuesday, June 23, at 8:30 a.m. ET to hear about the lived experiences of families at the forefront of medical innovation. Explore how these therapies are transforming care for both rare and common conditions.

🍳 Breakfast will be served!

🔗 For more details and to register:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjwf9PnlvLbG2zkG2zLm7KnonXfVrxQSGypGEKbtYgxE5r3Q/viewform

📍 2060 Rayburn House Office Building
45 Independence Ave SW
Washington, D.C. 20515

06/02/2026

Research!America President Emerita Mary Woolley spoke with Science Policy IRL, the podcast from Issues in Science and Technology. 🎙️ In this episode, Mary reflects on her experience leading our organization for 35 years, working to double the funding for NIH, and the transitions she has seen in science and the role of scientists over the years.

🎧 Listen now! https://issues.org/mary-woolley-advocates-for-american-research/

Mary Woolley reflects on leading Research!America for 35 years, doubling NIH funding, science advocacy, and public engagement.

06/02/2026

Understanding how to effectively engage with the FDA is increasingly important for patient organizations.

Join the Food & Drug Law Institute (FDLI) on June 16–17 for Essentials of Working with FDA for Patient Organizations, a practical program designed to help organizations navigate key regulatory processes.

Research!America's Senior Vice President of Strategy and Public Engagement Jennifer Luray will be a featured speaker during this engaging program!

Learn more and register: http://fdli.org/patientorg

06/01/2026

Do you know an ✨ exceptional ✨ research advocate?

Nominations are now open for Research!America's 2027 Advocacy Awards! 🏆
Honor outstanding advocates for medical, health, and scientific research by submitting your nominations today.

👉 Explore the list of available awards and learn more about nominations:
https://www.researchamerica.org/advocacy-awards/

📆 All nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, July 17, 2026.

06/01/2026

This week is . Three-quarters of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. Be ready to save a life with American Heart Association by learning the two steps of hands-only CPR: Call 911 and push hard and fast on the center of the chest. Learn more at cpr.heart.org or go to heart.org/nation to learn how to become part of the

05/28/2026

Congress is in district this week, which is a perfect time for them to hear from constituents like you about the importance of medical research funding that is robust and reliable.

Over the long weekend, news reports surfaced showing that the Ebola epidemic is gaining steam and now numbers more than 900 cases. While the affected countries – the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda – may feel a world away, our increasingly global world means that infectious diseases like Ebola are only a plane ride away. According to our latest survey, more than half (54%) of Americans don't think our elected leaders are doing enough to prepare for the next pandemic.

Read about these critical issues, as well as restructuring PEPFAR, the latest on new and ongoing ARPA-H initiatives, an upcoming member-only meeting on AI, and more in this week's Weekly Letter.
https://www.researchamerica.org/weekly-letter/the-bottom-line-we-are-not-ready/

05/28/2026

Registration is now open for our free learning lunch series, From Bench to Impact. This webinar series will equip student researchers and early-career scientists with the perspectives, tools, and networks needed to thrive in science.

The first session, Our Journeys in Science — Representation, Identity, and Purpose, will take place on Wednesday, July 15. Hear from a dynamic panel of speakers who will not only explore an array of career paths, but will also share their experiences navigating identity and perspective while on their career journeys.

Registration has just opened! Secure your spot today.
https://bit.ly/4uCiUiI