We are living in an ever-evolving situation with respect to funding for research. In response, the ORS Public Outreach Committee, led by Ryan Tomlinson, PhD, and Sade Williams Clayton, PhD, have launched a new feature in ORS Connect entitled Advocacy Tip of the Week. This regular feature will provide you with quick and simple actions you can take to advocate for and promote scientific research. This webpage will be updated weekly with new tips, so you can always refer back to them at any time.

To help in creating these weekly tips, please email [email protected].

If you would like to receive the Advocacy Tip of the Week but you are not subscribed to receive the ORS Connect Newsletter, you can subscribe here.

NIH R01-equivalent awards to Early Stage Investigators (ESI) have dropped from 1,587 (FY 2023) to 1,423 (FY 2024) to just 1,144 (FY 2025), with success rates falling from about 30% to less than 20% over this period. In other words, securing an investigator’s first major NIH funded award is getting significantly more challenging just as these early career researchers are entering the system. Now, more than ever before, it’s critical that established researchers in ORS advocate for their junior colleagues to maintain our scientific pipeline in musculoskeletal research. Institutional policies that align with this harsher funding landscape will help prevent the loss of these talented ESIs, the next generation of orthopaedic researchers.

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March 9, 2026

The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) is hosting a Virtual Science Communication Workshop on Wednesday, March 4, from 2:00–3:30 PM ET. This session is free and open to the broader biomedical research community. Led by Emmy-winning science filmmaker Véronique Koch, this workshop will explore practical, accessible approaches to communicating science online—without the expectation of becoming an “influencer.” Participants will learn how social media platforms and algorithms function, apply low-risk, evidence-based strategies to communicate accurate science and respond to misinformation, and develop a realistic plan for public engagement using clear formats, ethical boundaries, and existing professional networks.

Learn More

March 2, 2026

New and established stem cell technologies are promising for developing novel therapeutic options in orthopaedic research. The NIH is asking for public input on the continued use of the 503 human embryonic stem cell lines that have been approved for NIH-supported research. If you are an expert in this area, now is the time to make your voice heard. Comments will be accepted until April 24, 2026.

Learn More

February 23, 2026

AIMBE President Dr. Lola Eniola-Adefeso and AIMBE Executive Director Dr. Dawn Beraud are your hosts on Wednesday, February 25, 1:00-2:00 PM ET. This webinar is designed to keep scientists engaged and informed on recent policy developments, including an update on FY2026 appropriations. Furthermore, the hosts will highlight AIMBE’s advocacy strategy to advance medical and biological engineering with exclusive insights into the science policy landscape.

Register Now

February 16, 2026

Do you want to use your PhD to have a real-world policy impact? Check out the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Policy Fellowship. This program enables PhD scientists, social scientists, and engineers to spend a year working in the California State Legislature, State Agencies, or Offices of the Governor. Applications close on March 2, 2026.

February 9, 2026

Despite some discouraging headlines, lawmakers continue to support robust scientific budgets. This year, both the House and the Senate have passed bipartisan spending bills that reject the deep cuts for science proposed in the President’s budget request, particularly for agencies that fund the physical sciences. Although these bills are not yet law, these votes offers a strong show of support for maintaining the scientific enterprise in the US. One place to get up-to-date information on appropriations proposals and outcomes is through the American Institute of Physics Budget Tracker.

February 2, 2026

As you may have heard, the NIH has implemented temporary emergency changes to peer review through the May 2026 Council rounds due to a backlog from cancelled meetings. Funding likelihood has not been reduced by these changes and full critiques from assigned reviewers will still be available. However, the main constraint is reviewer capacity. If you are invited to serve on an NIH review panel, please strongly consider accepting – even if the section is unfamiliar. You may be a critical advocate for important work in orthopaedic research or musculoskeletal science being evaluated.

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Tip contributed by ORS Public Outreach Liaison, Clarissa Coveney.

January 26, 2026

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking public input on a proposed Controlled-Access Data Policy and revisions to the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy, aimed at creating clearer, more harmonized requirements for protecting human participant research data. RFIs like this are concrete opportunities for researchers to be heard on the policies that directly affect them. Submit your comments based on your own real-world experience with NIH data policies, or share this request with a colleague.

January 12, 2026

Make advocacy your New Year’s resolution. Introduce yourself to your elected officials now—before you need them—and offer your expertise as a scientific resource. A short email, a town hall visit, and one or two follow-ups a year can build trust and ensure your voice is heard when science policy matters. Find your representatives using the link to the left.

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January 5, 2026

Turn your scientific expertise into real policy impact. The New York State Science Policy Fellowship (2026–2028) offers a highly competitive, paid pathway for scientists to engage directly with state policymakers. Fellows receive intensive training during the first year through the Rockefeller Institute, including a week-long orientation, coursework, and guest speakers focused on how science informs policy decisions. In the second year, fellows will work with experienced mentors to develop a capstone project proposing concrete policy solutions, such as legislation, regulations, or state programs, on pressing science and technology issues. Applications are due January 9, 2026, at 5 pm Eastern.

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December 29, 2025

Want an easy way to spark meaningful conversations about research funding this holiday season? The New York Times recently published a clear, data-rich explainer on how a quiet policy shift has led to fewer federal grants across nearly every field of science and medicine. The article translates complex National Institutes of Health (NIH) end-of-year funding data into accessible graphs and plain language – perfect for sharing with non-scientist friends, colleagues, or family members. Raising awareness matters: many experts warn that ongoing cuts and budget reductions could jeopardize America’s long-term scientific leadership. Sharing information from this piece is a simple, but powerful, way to help others understand why stable research funding affects everyone.

Read More

December 22, 2025

Looking to boost your science communication skills? Check out Karl Leif Bates’ recent AIMBE workshop, “How and Why to Communicate Our Research.” Karl, an experienced science journalist and former Executive Director of Research Communications, breaks down common communication challenges and offers clear, practical strategies for engaging the public. Attendees across all career stages have reported feeling more confident in activities like writing commentaries, using social media effectively, and navigating media interviews after this 90-minute session. AIMBE is sharing the recording of Karl’s workshop that can be viewed online through October 31, 2026.

View the Recording

December 15, 2025

The Chronicle of Higher Education is offering a free webinar series to analyze the administration’s evolving impact on higher education. Join Sarah Brown and Rick Seltzer as they unpack the latest developments out of Washington – and what they might mean for your institution. These journalists will also tackle questions from attendees on the most pressing issues in higher-ed policy to help you stay informed and prepared. The first three sessions have already occurred, but the fourth and final session will be held December 15. Don’t worry if you missed the previous sessions, or are not able to attend the last – on-demand access to all four session recordings will be made available to registrants. Register and submit questions for the panelists via the link below.

Learn More or Register

 

December 8, 2025

Want to stay informed and engaged in science policy? The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) hosts bi-weekly Advocacy Town Halls – virtual meetings open to anyone interested in promoting science policy. These sessions provide updates from Capitol Hill, highlight concrete action items for the research community, and outline where and how to make an impact with outreach or advocacy efforts.

Learn More or Register

December 1, 2025

Indirect costs may not grab headlines, but they’re essential to keeping our nation’s research enterprise running. Earlier this year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a cap of indirect costs at 15%, although that has since been walked back. Nonetheless, this issue isn’t going away. Rather than reacting after decisions are made, it’s time to engage proactively. The Joint Associations Group (JAG) has introduced the Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) model, a transparent, accountable framework developed by research experts to address policymakers’ concerns. The Association of American Universities has produced a 3-minute explanatory video on the model.

November 24, 2025

Do you have an advocacy idea? If you’re a graduate student or postdoc with a project idea that could create dialogue with public officials, local community leaders, or the public on scientific issues, consider applying for Research America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program. These $4,000 awards are available to provide opportunities for grantees to gain hands-on experience in communication, program planning, and policy engagement that will lead to an impact in their local communities. For more information about previous awards or to apply to become part of the 2025-2026 cohort, visit the website via the link below, and be sure to share it with your circles. Applications are due Friday, November 21, 2025.

For More Info or To Apply

November 17, 2025

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has put together a fantastic “Take Action Toolkit” designed to help you engage, educate, and inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting out, the toolkit provides practical resources to strengthen collaboration, communicate science effectively, and increase public understanding of how research impacts everyday life. Explore opportunities to connect with your community, share your expertise, and stand up for science – there’s something for every interest and schedule.

 

Access the Toolkit

November 10, 2025

Advocacy is often personal – one of the most powerful ways to advocate for musculoskeletal research is by showing the human side of your work. Whether it’s a photo of your lab team, a short video explaining your latest discovery, or a story about how orthopaedic research changes lives – these visuals and narratives resonate with policymakers and the public alike. Post something today on social media using the hashtag #OrthoResearch and tag @ORSsociety to help amplify the message. A compelling story can inspire support and funding for the science that matters. Be sure to visit the ORS on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Bluesky, Instagram and TikTok.

November 3, 2025

The National Science Board of the NSF has released a new two-page document that makes a clear, compelling case for the value of federally funded basic science research. It emphasizes that U.S. competitiveness and security depend on bold, curiosity-driven research that fuels the “next, next big things” in critical technologies, as well as investments in growing the domestic STEM workforce by supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technicians. This concise, data-rich resource is ideal for helping policymakers and the public understand why sustained funding for science, including orthopaedic research, is essential. Winning the Race for the Future is a policy companion to the report Discovery: R&D Activity and Research Publications.

Read the Companion

October 27, 2025

You have an opportunity to advocate for expanded epidemiological research at National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). In particular, the NIH is seeking input to shape a new epidemiology agenda for arthritis, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases. Share your perspective on what study designs will best define contemporary prevalence, incidence, natural history, treatment patterns, social determinants, and health disparities; how data-science approaches could fill gaps; and which specific conditions or populations urgently need rigorous epidemiologic work. Your thoughtful feedback can steer funding priorities, promote studies that include underserved and special populations, and accelerate translation of findings into public-health and clinical practice. Be sure to make your voice heard before November 7.

Provide Your Input to the NIH

October 20, 2025

Have you checked out the ORS YouTube channel? Visit the channel today, and be sure to like it and subscribe. You will not only stay up to date on new content, but you will also help amplify our collective voice in advancing musculoskeletal research. The channel regularly features videos that spotlight the incredible work of ORS members, and it hosts the official Ask the Experts video series, which covers topics of broad public interest, such as lower back pain and stem cell therapy. Sharing these videos is a simple way to support our outreach efforts and ensure that accurate, evidence-based information reaches patients, families, and the wider community.

Visit the ORS YouTube Channel

October 13, 2025

Changes to the long-awaited National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) instructions now excludes a key group: second-year PhD students. As documented in a recent Science article, this leaves many students entirely excluded and pressures current first-year students to complete their one, and only, application before November 14. An open letter was sent to NSF leadership and the Office of Science and Technology Policy to urge the NSF to reverse the changes. You can take action by signing the letter and commenting, particularly if you or your students were affected by eligibility changes.

Sign the Letter

October 6, 2025

Congress has proposed research funding for FY2026, but your help is needed right now to urge lawmakers to pass the budget before tomorrow’s midnight deadline. If Congress does not pass any of the 12 appropriations bills for FY2026 by tomorrow, September 30 at midnight, a government shutdown will begin, further disrupting biomedical research and slowing critical innovations. Please take a few moments today to urge your Representatives and Senators to pass the budget on time. AIMBE (American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering) has prepared a letter template you can quickly personalize and send to your Senators and Representatives. It will only take a few moments to make your voice heard, but your action can have invaluable impact. Thanks to Jason Marvin, PhD – AIMBE Director, Outreach and Engagement, and ORS Member for providing this important action item.

Send Your Letter to Congress

September 29, 2025

You can be an advocate via podcast! Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) is looking for academic researchers to appear on their podcast, Bone Talk. This opportunity is a great way to advocate for orthopaedic research by giving the public and key decision makers access to your scientific story. If you’re interested, email Claire Gill, CEO of BHOF. Also, check out the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) AAOS Advocacy Podcast Series, which offers deep insights on health policy and research advocacy by experts in the field. Finally, you may enjoy a recent episode of This Academic Life, which featured a former NIH program officer who was caught up in the thousands that were laid off from the federal government earlier this year.

September 22, 2025

Termination of the NIH MOSAIC K99/R00 program, which supported early-career scientists from diverse backgrounds conducting research in NIH mission areas, was a major blow against the ongoing efforts of the ORS and other professional organizations to diversify and strengthen the American workforce. Unfortunately, many outstanding researchers receiving support from these mechanisms lost funding, mentorship, and opportunities. However, one way to support these promising young investigators is to spread the word that the NIH has announced an automatic extension of K99/R00 eligibility. Due to delays impacting grant applications in early 2025, investigators may be eligible for up to a three-receipt cycle extension. For more details, visit NOT-OD-25-121.

September 15, 2025

The ORS partners with American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), which offers training for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs about how public policy impacts our research opportunities. AIMBE will be holding their Public Policy Institute (PPI) October 27 – 28 in Washington, D.C. This highly acclaimed workshop will inform participants about the policy landscape that surrounds the scientific enterprise, with opportunities to meet with top government officials, industry representatives, and senior leaders in advocacy think tanks. Registration is limited. Travel awards are available, and the deadline to apply is September 29, 2025.

For More Information, or to Register

September 8, 2025

Amid a wave of policy changes, shifting priorities, and political pressure, it is hard to keep track of everything that is going on at the NIH. Fortunately, former NIH NIGMS director and longtime science policy advocate Jeremy Berg has been maintaining a valuable public dashboard that brings some clarity. His online dashboard offers visualizations of NIH Award Timing to help contextualize delays or shifts in funding activity, upcoming NIH Advisory Council meeting dates, and a series of “Bluetorials” explaining how the NIH functions behind the scenes. This dashboard is a powerful tool for staying informed and keeping orthopaedic research advocacy efforts grounded in facts.

View the Dashboard

September 2, 2025

Staying informed empowers you to be a stronger, more effective advocate for scientific research. Right now, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is undergoing a wave of significant policy changes and has recently announced a new strategy to align priorities and funding approaches. In a previous update, we flagged an NIH Request for Information (RFI) on potential new policies limiting allowable publication costs. However, other changes have already been implemented. For example, NOT-OD-25-132 indicates that individual PIs will be limited to a maximum of six NIH application submissions per calendar year, starting September 25, 2025. Stay ahead of the rapidly changing NIH landscape by subscribing to their Notices of NIH Policy Changes, comment on RFIs as an advocate for orthopaedic research, and remember to share your insights with your colleagues and institutions.

August 25, 2025

The NIH is considering new limits on how federal grant funds can be used for APCs (article processing charges). These rules could drastically affect academic publishing. From NOT-OD-25-138, we have summarized the proposed options:

Option 1: Ban all publication costs.

Option 2: Cap at $2,000 per paper.

Option 3: Cap at $2,000 per paper or $3,000 if peer reviewers are compensated.

Option 4: Cap costs at 0.8% of the award (up to $20,000 total).

Option 5: Cap at $6,000 per paper and 0.8% of the award (up to $20,000 total).

The NIH is soliciting anonymous comments until September 15. Make sure your voice is part of the record!
Provide Your Input

August 18, 2025

Your voice has been heard in the Senate! On July 31, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted 26–3 to retain all 27 NIH institutes, increase the agency’s budget by $400 million, and block attempts to slash indirect rates. Although this bill still needs full Senate approval and eventual reconciliation with the House, this strong show of support reflects what lawmakers are hearing from constituents: research funding matters. Keep the momentum going – contact your representatives and senators to thank them for their vote and let them know that their support for orthopaedic research remains critical.

Read the Bill Summary

Read Science News Coverage

August 11, 2025

Support science where it matters the most – at home! Science Homecoming is a new initiative that empowers researchers to write op-eds and stories for local newspapers, helping communities understand and value the impact of science, including orthopaedic research. By participating, you can elevate public opinion and advocate for the importance of musculoskeletal science in your own backyard.

Learn More

August 4, 2025

Did you know the most effective way to contact your members of Congress is by calling them directly? Phone calls are logged and prioritized by staff, giving your voice real impact. You can provide your input on funding for orthopaedic research and policies that affect musculoskeletal care. Want to help shape these decisions? 5 Calls makes it easy with scripts and contact info tailored to your location and the issues that matter to you the most.

Reach Out with 5 Calls

July 28, 2025

Are you on top of science policy and funding news? The ORS Public Outreach Committee invites you to join its new Advocacy Liaisons Program, led by Ryan Tomlinson, PhD and Sade Williams Clayton, PhD. Advocacy Liaisons are informed, engaged researchers that will help draft the Advocacy Tip of the Week as well as connect ORS with local institutions, share key outreach updates, and build grassroots momentum for public awareness and advocacy in musculoskeletal research. For more information, to join the program, or for any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email [email protected].

July 21, 2025