Countering Cuts to Science through Strategic Advocacy

Amid a renewed focus from the Trump Administration on slashing federal funding for scientific research—both at federal agencies and universities—research organizations and scientific societies must proactively engage elected decisionmakers with clear, compelling messaging to counteract these cuts.

Effective advocacy is always a challenge, but especially when DC is full of stakeholders making similar requests. For organizations to break through, it requires framing scientific research not as an expenditure, but as a critical investment in America's economic strength, national security, public health, and global leadership. As many in the scientific community would tell you, we are coasting on the last two decades of research and innovation. Now is not the time to cede that knowledge to other countries.

Organizations can emphasize the importance of federal funding for scientific research by highlighting several points:  

Economic return on investment: Highlight data demonstrating how federally funded research directly contributes to economic growth, job creation, and innovation. Share success stories, especially those showing how initial public investment led to groundbreaking private sector advancements. Explaining the applied science, especially if it’s on a regional level, can go a long way.

National security and global leadership: Communicate how investments in scientific research underpin national security and maintain American competitiveness internationally. Fundamental and applied research funded by federal agencies position the U.S. as a global scientific leader and talk through the impact of ceding these innovations to other countries.

Public health and safety: Right now, there are unfortunately many real-world examples to highlight the importance of scientific discovery to protect public health. It is helpful to share tangible examples of how federal funding has been directly linked to advancements protecting public health, improving quality of life, and responding to national emergencies—such as pandemics and biosecurity threats.

Local impact: Oftentimes, federal funding for research transcends party politics, especially when you’re discussing the local impact. By highlighting jobs created, ripple effects of initial research, and universities strengthened in communities across the country,  you can build lifelong champions in your elected officials.

At a time when federal funding is uncertain, it’s important to stay focused on how to communicate the importance of these programs. Finding aligned organizations to help elevate your message is also incredibly important. Now more than ever, targeted, unified advocacy from the research community will be essential in preserving federal support for science.