Response Center: Stay informed about APA/APASI’s response to recent federal policy changes affecting psychology
Research funding
Championing federal investment in medical research
In September, APA Services joined the scientific community in celebrating the contributions of medical research supported by the National Institutes of Health
American Psychological Association. (2025, October 17). Championing federal investment in medical research. https://www.apaservices.org/advocacy/news/federal-investment-medical-research
Medical Research Week
On September 15, a bipartisan group of lawmakers—Representatives André Carson (D–Indiana), Brian Fitzpatrick (R–Pennsylvania), Suzan DelBene (D–Washington), Lloyd Smucker (R-Pennsylvania), and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio)—introduced H.Res.708opens in new window, a resolution honoring the impact of National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded medical research. The resolution formally designates September 15–19, 2025, as Medical Research Week to celebrate the vital role of scientific innovation in advancing public health. It further recognizes “the importance of ensuring strong Federal annual funding for (NIH) that supports medical research and the discovery of cutting-edge treatments and cures, maintains global competitiveness, and strengthens economic growth.” Accordingly, APA Services supported and participated in several of the weeks’ events highlighting the NIH, including the Rally for Medical Research and the 2025 Golden Goose Awards Ceremony.
Rally participants urged Congress to provide the highest possible appropriations increase for NIH included in the Senate Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill (S.2587opens in new window and S. Rept. 119-55opens in new window) which provides a $400 million increase above the FY 2025 funding level. The Senate version of the bill also blocks restructuring of NIH or changes to Facilities & Administration (F&A) costs, as proposed by the president, without Senate oversight. It also responds to concerns about canceled grants and proposed institute eliminations. Participants also encouraged the Congress to work in a bipartisan way to complete the FY 2026 process in a timely manner to avoid disruptions to the medical research system.
At the Reception to Celebrate Lifesaving Medical Research Supported by NIH on September 17, the scientific and medical research community expressed their appreciation to Senator Tammy Baldwin (D–Wisconsin), ranking member of the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, for her leadership in supporting the $400 million increase, rejecting the administration’s proposed 40% NIH budget cut in FY 2026.
Frances Wang and Idia Thurston
APA and Board of Scientific Affairs members, Idia Thurston (Northeastern University) and Frances Wang (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine), participated in the rally on APA and APA Services’ behalf. Wang shared “Participating in the rally gave me a unique glimpse of the powerful advocacy work that people are doing for medical research and the exciting opportunity to be a part of it. It was valuable to better understand the perspectives of those in my congressional delegation and the issues that matter to them. I would highly recommend participating in the rally as a medical researcher.”
“The best part of participating in the rally for me was connecting with individuals representing over 400 organizations, all passionate about funding health research,” noted Thurston. As an equity scholar, she realized that “even in times like these we are not alone, our voices matter, and people care about topics that I care about.” Thurston also related that meeting staffers from her state “made the idea of advocacy feasible, attainable, and real for me.” She concluded that “it reminded me that our congresspeople want to hear from us about how everyday people are impacted by policy decisions, and they want to share those stories to enable better policy decisions in the future. They need to hear from us to help us.”
Idia Thurston, Dennis Brown, Kaylah Fermaint (Office of Representative Ayanna Pressley), and Hope Craig
Emphasizing the essential role of NIH research when it comes to youth mental health, APA head of science, Adrienne Stith, noted: "Each year, one in five children and adolescents in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder. Youth mental health research is an investment in our nation's future. Backed by the National Institutes of Health, scientists are uncovering the knowledge and tools that help young people thrive—emotionally, socially, and academically. APA Services stands firmly behind this scientific work, recognizing that early intervention and evidence-based care transforms lives and strengthens our communities. Sustained NIH funding ensures every child's mental well-being is a core priority for the nation."
