Phone Bank to Save the NIH

Last Friday, the Trump Administration proposed major budget cuts to the NSF and NIH, two of the largest public funders of biomedical research in the world. These cuts will set back scientific research by decades, delaying and potentially eliminating life-saving research into new clinical and therapeutic applications. Beyond the long term effects, it will be personally devastating to the livelihoods and careers of tens of thousands of workers who perform federally funded research.

Right now, we have a critical window in which to act! Senators Warren, Padilla, and Tillis as well as Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Carson have begun circulating sign-on letters in Congress to support federal research funding. On May 13th at 12pm PT/3pm ET, academic workers across the country are organizing to call on as many Senators and Representatives as possible, particularly from historically “red” districts, to support federally funded research by signing onto these letters. Register here to join the phonebank. A short training and talking points will be provided at the start of the phonebank.

This is an inflection point in the history of the US investment in research, science, and education. You (yes you!) can make a difference right now, both by joining us on the 13th and by passing this information on. In particular, we need to make sure that calls come from Institutions of Higher Education in red states. If you have friends, colleagues, or collaborators in any of the institutions listed in the RSVP form, make sure to send this information along!