Action Alert: Ask Your Members of Congress to Support NSF

Congress has begun its work to set funding levels for federal programs for fiscal year (FY) 2020. Scientists interested in the National Science Foundation (NSF) should consider contacting their U.S. Representative and Senators to ask that they provide NSF with $9 billion in FY 2020. NSF is the primary federal funding source for discovery-driven biological research at our nation’s universities and colleges. The agency provides approximately 69% of extramural federal support for non-medical biological and environmental research at academic institutions. The President’s budget request for FY 2020 proposes a 12.5 percent cut to NSF, including a 13 percent reduction to its research activities. This budget hurts research and undermines the nation’s ability to address national challenges. If funded at $9 billion, NSF can accelerate progress on its 10 Big Ideas, expand support for early career researchers, and create new interdisciplinary research programs. This investment will sustain core research and education programs that are vital to U.S. competitiveness. Interested individuals can send a letter to their members of Congress from the AIBS Legislative Action Center.      
Source: Public Policy Reports - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: news