Urging a flexible NIH funding framework for future clinical trial investigators
October 6, 2026
APA is urging NIH to create flexible funding pathways that pair opportunity with the mentorship early-career investigators need to thrive
Our focus
Support basic and applied research and training in the social, behavioral, and psychological sciences
- APA Services advocates in Congress for sufficient funding for behavioral and social sciences research, and support for the infrastructure at NIH (e.g. peer review systems, the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research).
- APA Services advocates for NIH appropriations and research topics that enable psychological scientists to contribute to the missions of the NIH institutes and centers.
- APA also responds to NIH requests for information, weighs in on strategic plans, and nominates psychological scientists to serve on NIH advisory committees.
What we advocate for
- To increase funding for the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research at NIH, which coordinates research initiatives and cofunds worthy behavioral and social science grants the institutes can’t fund alone. APA and coalition partners are advocating for $20 million in additional funds for FY 2022.
- To unleash the power of science and data to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to advance health equity. APA Services advocates for additional funding for mental health research given the impact of the pandemic.
- Include psychological science research as part of the mission of the proposed Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health.
- Diversify the scientific workforce, support the NIH unite initiatives to diversify the NIH workforce, and expand research on health equity, including social determinants of health.
We have a tremendous opportunity to help shape the laws and policies that directly affect psychology and the populations we work with. We can make a real difference in our society.
What you can do
Federal funding for scientific research
APA Services advocates for robust and predictable funding of scientific research at the federal science agencies.
Contact us
Corbin Evans, JD
Deputy Chief, Science and Technology
Angela L. Sharpe, MG
Senior Director of Congressional and Federal Relations
Krysta Jones
Director of Congressional and Federal Relations
Recent advocacy on promoting and defending research issues
Opposing proposed changes to Department of Education grant regulations
October 6, 2026
APA Services urged the Department of Education to withdraw proposed changes to its grant administration regulations, citing concerns about research funding, grant stability, transparency, and the future of education and workforce development programs
NIH awards over $44 million to expand landmark midlife women’s health study
October 6, 2026
In a major win for women's health advocacy, the $44.4 million NIH grant will continue crucial research into menopause, cognitive aging, and brain health following joint efforts by APA Services and congressional champion Representative Andrea Salinas
Urging NSF to preserve merit review, psychological science, and publishing support in draft financial assistance guidance
September 22, 2026
APA Services submitted comments to the National Science Foundation, urging the agency to maintain scientific integrity, preserve behavioral science funding, and reduce administrative burdens for researchers