Science Policy News

ASPET Advocates on the Importance of Animal Research Supported by the NIH

Along with 46 other biomedical societies, ASPET signed on to a letter on June 12, 2022 to the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee that stressed the importance of animal research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In the letter, ASPET and other societies asked the LHHS to consider the following while drafting its fiscal year 2023 appropriations bill:

1. Include language that supports and provides additional funding for large animal foundational and translational research supported by the

National Institutes of Health (NIH). Large animal research includes, but is not limited to canines, felines, nonhuman primates, pigs, sheep, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, and llamas. 2. Consider the numerous laws, regulations, and policies that strictly regulate animal research and to consult with the scientific community when drafting appropriations language to ensure future requirements are evidence-based and in the best interest of human and animal health. 3. Acknowledge the critical need for nonhuman primate research and allocate additional funding for NIH and the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) to allow researchers to conduct this essential work. 4. Address the ongoing refusal of numerous airlines to transport animals for research purposes.

Specifically, the biomedical research community encourages the House LHHS Appropriations

Subcommittee to include language that directs the NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration to form an interagency committee that develops and routinely evaluates a federal plan that ensure the long-term support, breeding locations, veterinary oversight, and enrichment and social needs of nonhuman primates in the U.S. 5. Include language that directs NIH to provide a list of steps the agency intends to take over the next year to reduce investigator burden, as required by the 21st Century Cures Act; this should be accompanied by implementation timelines and planned strategies for communicating new information with the extramural community.

CHIPS and Science Act Signed into Law, Provides Boost to NSF

On August 9, 2022, President Biden signed into law the CHIPS and Science Act. The law, which had bipartisan support from both the U.S. House and Senate, has several provisions affecting scientific research which may impact ASPET members. Chief among them include:

■ Authorization of $81 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which would effectively double the budget of the NSF by FY2027 ■ $4 billion authorized across FY2023 to FY2027 to repair and modernize U.S. national laboratories ■ Codification of the Chief Diversity Officer position at NSF to provide guidance and lead NSF’s strategic planning to broaden diverse participation of individuals and institutions in NSF-funded activities ■ Language directing NSF to increase funding for Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) institutions to up to 20% of research funding (currently set at 13%) over 7 years While Congress will still need to appropriate the funds, the authorization of doubling the budget of NSF is very much in line with ASPET’s past advocacy efforts to encourage funding increases to the Foundation.

FASEB Submits Comments on OLAW’s Semiannual Annual Program Review

FASEB, a coalition of ASPET and 27 other scientific societies, submitted comments on July 12, 2022, to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) in response to their Request for Information seeking input on flexibilities for conducting semiannual animal program review. In the response, FASEB acknowledged appreciation for the availability of the outlined flexibilities and recommended that OLAW include language that permits institutions to review standard operating procedures that are unrelated to animal welfare on a more flexible, as-needed basis. The full list of flexibilities being considered by OLAW can be found at NOT-OD-22-114: Request for Information (RFI) on Flexibilities for Conducting Semiannual Animal Program Review (nih.gov), including a checklist to help institutions with semiannual animal program reviews.

ASPET Urges Prompt Consideration for White House OSTP Nominee

Joining 33 other scientific societies, ASPET issued a letter on July 8, 2022, to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to promptly consider the nominee for the position of Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). With the White House nominating Dr. Arati Prabhakar for Director of the OSTP on June 21, 2022, ASPET encouraged the Senate Committee to consider the nomination promptly considering the OSTP’s essential role in America’s scientific enterprises. On July 20, the committee held a hearing for Dr. Prabhakar and on July 27, her nomination was favorably reported out of the committee. She is currently awaiting Senate confirmation.

The OSTP is charged with providing the President and staff within the Executive Office of the President advice on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. Given the office’s importance, ASPET and other societies believe it is imperative that the Senate promptly considers an individual once nominated by the President.

Visit https://www.aspet.org/aspet/advocacy to learn more.

2023 Washington Fellows Program

Submit your application by November 18, 2022

Program Mission

The mission of the ASPET Washington Fellows Program is to enable developing and early career scientists interested in science policy to learn about and become more engaged in public policy issues. Fellows will develop an understanding of how public policy decisions made in Washington help shape science policy, such as funding for the National Institutes of Health and other science agencies. Fellows will also learn how to advocate effectively on Capitol Hill and in their home districts. This program will help Fellows develop the skills and insights to become future leaders in science.

What Will ASPET Fellows Do?

 Advocate on Capitol Hill: ASPET Fellows will come to Washington, DC, to meet with their congressional delegation to advocate for increased federal support for biomedical research and increased funding for the

NIH. Fellows will be well trained by ASPET and prepared with the appropriate message to deliver to

Congress. ASPET will cover transportation costs, hotel, and other reasonable expenses that follow ASPET’s reimbursement policy.

 Become Advocates in their Home Districts:

Washington Fellows will have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress in their home districts, act as a conduit to inform colleagues within their departments/institutions about federal legislative matters, and write op-ed pieces to local papers on current science policy issues. All these activities will be undertaken with the support and advice of ASPET.

 Attend the ASPET 2023 Annual Meeting: ASPET

Fellows will receive a discounted registration to attend the 2023 ASPET Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Mo.

Who Should Apply?

The ASPET Washington Fellows Program is open to any graduate student, postdoctoral trainee, or researcher no more than four years past the completion of his/her postdoctoral training. Applicants must be members of ASPET in good standing and have a strong interest in science and its intersection with public policy. Fellows will be selected by the ASPET Science Policy Committee.

Application Information

ASPET anticipates up to 10 Washington Fellows Program participants in 2023. Fellows serve one-year terms.

All applications must be submitted by November 18, 2022 online at:

www.aspet.orgwashingtonfell owsprogram.com

Incomplete applications or applications received after November 18, 2022 will not be considered.

Please feel free to contact publicaffairs@aspet.org with any questions.

“The ASPET Washington Fellows Program provided an excellent introduction to policy and advocacy, especially as someone with no prior experience in policy. Participating in the ASPET Washington Fellows Program solidiied my desire to pursue a career in science policy.”

-Bayli Dean, 2020 Washington Fellow

For more info: www.aspet.org/ASPET_Washington_Fellows_Program (301)634-7060 publicaffairs@aspet.org