Research!America

08/22/2026

“The tragedy of back to school in 2026 is that there will be fewer graduate students and fewer scientists pursuing cures for diseases because of the uncertainty that's been created by OMB."
- Research!America President and CEO Russ Paulsen

Universities are raising red flags about proposed changes to federal assistance.

08/21/2026

This week's Weekly Letter highlights the importance of persistence in our collective advocacy work.

The NIH has issued a Request for Information on proposed changes that would reduce grant review transparency. This comes at the same time the OMB is attempting to stack the deck in favor of politicized decision making. We can't let our advocacy waver.

Read our latest Weekly Letter for advocacy actions you can take to keep up the fight against OMB's proposed rule and its pre-application across federal agencies.
https://www.researchamerica.org/weekly-letter/persistence-is-powerful/

08/20/2026

Couldn't tune in for our second learning lunch webinar yesterday? The recording is now available on our YouTube channel!

Watch "Bridging Community and Research: Communicating Science Effectively" to hear from community organizers, public health professionals, and researchers about communicating science to general audiences and collaborating with local communities.
https://youtu.be/M5kdf8O3_0A

08/18/2026

📣 Registration is OPEN for the 2026 National Health Research Forum!

Join us Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, D.C., for the 31st annual National Health Research Forum.

This year’s program will unveil Research!America’s new report, "U.S. Investments in Medical and Health Research and Development 2021–2025," offering fresh insights into medical and health R&D investment across sectors throughout the United States.

You’ll also hear from early-career researchers, explore civic engagement projects, and participate in interactive conversations about the future of science and medical progress.

🎟️ The Forum is free, but space is limited! Secure your spot today: https://events.researchamerica.org/2026_Forum

08/14/2026

Congress' August recess is in full swing, which is the perfect time to go to your representatives' local offices or events and urge them to stop the proposed OMB rule on federal grantmaking. Our latest Weekly Letter provides an August Recess Advocacy Guide, a shareable post for social media, and a video featuring our advocacy 101 event.

With back-to-school season underway, it's important to look at different ways to ensure federal research funding is growing, predictable, and merit-based in order to support early-career researchers entering the STEM pipeline. They represent the hope of future breakthroughs that patients and their families depend on.

Read more and share our Weekly Letter with your networks.
https://www.researchamerica.org/weekly-letter/take-action-your-august-advocacy-guide/

08/13/2026

The Office of Management and Budget's proposed rule could impact the future of medical research, especially progress on the treatments and cures patients need. But you can help us speak out about this issue! We've developed an August Advocacy Toolkit with the information you need to contact your representatives.
https://www.researchamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/OMB_August_2026_Recess_Advocacy_Guide.pdf

Working together, we can make a difference.

08/12/2026

🎥 Missed our advocacy hour yesterday? The recording is now available on our YouTube channel!

Hear practical tips on effective in-district advocacy, learn more about the proposed OMB rule that could impact federal grantmaking, and get inspired to make your voice heard.

Watch the video and share it with fellow researchers and advocates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hagCaJp9fM

08/11/2026

☎️ Ring, Ring! ☎️ Join us at 1:30 p.m. ET TODAY to Ring Your Representative and urge them to stop the OMB rule.

After providing some advocacy tips, we'll take time to phone bank together.
📱 Ring Your Representative and make your voice heard! 🗣️

RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iirXzZQFRiKUTT75IDfTiw #/registration

Also, explore our August Recess Advocacy Guide here:https://researchamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/OMB_August_2026_Recess_Advocacy_Guide.pdf

08/10/2026

During August, members of Congress leave Washington to work in their states and districts. Many hold town halls or attend local events, and their local offices serve as "home base," making this a good time to speak with them and their staff members in-person or by phone.

To that end, Research!America released this guide to help researchers and advocates talk about OMB's proposed grant rule. This advocacy guide provides talking points, answers to common questions, and other tips you can use when engaging with your representatives. You don't need to be a policy expert or use every point provided in this guide. Instead, it's been developed to help you have short, personal conversations, which can make a real difference.

Explore Research!America's August Recess Advocacy Guide!
https://www.researchamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/OMB_August_2026_Recess_Advocacy_Guide.pdf

08/07/2026

The Senate's version of the Continuing Resolution, which included a provision that would delay OMB from finalizing its proposed rule, was a huge victory this week. However, advocates have a lot more work to do. Our latest Weekly Letter provides links to a new toolkit and talking points you can use when making the case to your representatives that the proposed OMB rule must be stopped.

Access these critical resources and register for Tuesday's webinar where we'll provide live advocacy action with tips and a group phone bank:
https://www.researchamerica.org/weekly-letter/a-huge-victory-but-more-is-needed/