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3/03/2025
Dear colleagues,
The landscape of scientific infrastructure and funding in the United States is undergoing widespread change, bringing uncertainty to institutions, researchers, and trainees. These shifts will not only shape U.S.-based research but also have broader implications for the global scientific and medical community, given the vital role of federal agencies in supporting international collaborations. The Society acknowledges the challenges this moment presents and remains committed to supporting our colleagues as they navigate these transitions. While the consequences of these changes are still unfolding, we believe that continued advocacy, collaboration, and resilience will be essential in ensuring that neuroscience and mental health research remain robust, inclusive, and impactful. We encourage open dialogue and collective efforts to sustain the progress that has been made and to safeguard the future of scientific training, discovery, and innovation.
Our Society has joined a coalition of learned societies in supporting a joint statement led by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) advocating against the proposed reductions in indirect costs by federal grant-giving bodies. The full statement can be found here: https://acnp.org/about-us/statement-on-the-nih-imposed-standard-indirect-cost-rate/
Furthermore, recognizing the potential impact of reduced travel funding to federally supported researchers, we have taken steps to ensure that their participation in our upcoming annual meeting in Toronto is not put at a disadvantage. Specifically, we have extended the registration deadline and guaranteed that abstracts from affected researchers will still be included in the meeting proceedings, even if federal funding constraints prevent them from attending. These measures reflect our commitment to supporting the research community and maintaining a strong scientific exchange.
Going forward, the Society is actively exploring additional ways to support U.S. researchers through strategic advocacy initiatives aimed at safeguarding research funding and infrastructure. This includes leveraging our platform to highlight these challenges through publications in the Society’s journals and engaging with broader audiences by contributing to general media outlets. By raising awareness and fostering informed dialogue, we aim to amplify the voices of our research community, and advocate for policies that sustain scientific progress.
As valued members of the Society, we encourage you to share any specific concerns or suggestions for further action. Your input is always welcome, and we would greatly appreciate your ideas. Please feel free to reach out at president@sobp.org at any time.
Sincerely,
Society of Biological Psychiatry Council
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