Take Action to Strengthen Merit Review

Scientific and medical research funding should be guided by merit-based decisions, expert evaluation, and the potential to advance knowledge and improve lives.

The current Administration is considering changes to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grantmaking process that would give a politically appointed committee greater authority over research funding decisions. Such a change could diminish the role of independent scientific peer review in determining which research receives federal support.

Congress has a critical role in safeguarding a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based federal research enterprise. Use the tool below to quickly draft a personalized message urging your elected representatives to protect scientific peer review and ensure federal research funding decisions remain grounded in merit. Merit, not politics should drive basic science and medical research funding decisions. 

Step 1: Take the Short Questionnaire

Step 2. Receive Your Drafted Comment

Edit your response to customize it and decide whether you want to use the short version (for easy submission via the representative contact webform) or the long version.

Step 3. Send It

Submit your drafted comment through the FASEB Legislative Action Center by pasting it in your message. Alternatively, find your representative’s email here and send your comment directly.

Video: How Merit Review Moves Science Forward