FASEB Capitol Hill Day Is a Success

By: Ellen Kuo
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
On March 13, nearly 50 FASEB Board and Science Policy Committee members visited Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers. The scientists/advocates took part in 87 meetings, representing 25 states.

FASEB advocates spoke to members and congressional staff about the need to fund in fiscal year (FY) 2025 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at $51.3 billion and the National Science Foundation (NSF) at $16.7 billion, which is the FY 2025 authorization level for NSF in the CHIPS and Science Act. Early-career researchers found this a great opportunity to learn why science communications is important and how to explain how their research impacts the biomedical enterprise.

Following the meetings, a reception was held in the Rayburn Office Building for the advocates and invited staff from the Hill and federal agencies. Tara A. Schwetz, PhD, Deputy Director for Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives at NIH, was the guest speaker. Walter Koroshetz, Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, also attended. Their presence helped advocates see the connection between federal funding for their research and hear how NIH is moving forward on key initiatives. A video summarizing Capitol Hill Day is available online.