91Ó°¿â

Blotter

2017 Hill Day recap

By
April 11, 2017

This past week, the 91Ó°¿âheld its annual Hill Day, bringing undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and midcareer researchers to Capitol Hill to discuss federal funding for scientific research with members of Congress and their staffs.

Early Thursday morning Hill Day attendees put on their advocacy hats and descended on Capitol Hill.

And then the meetings began…

This year the 91Ó°¿âbrought 29 participants to Washington, D.C. (12 91Ó°¿âPAAC members and 17 grad students, undergraduates, and postdocs) representing 33 states and attended close to 90 meetings.

Teams, in most cases, went to nine meetings, often-times back-to-back requiring them to zigzag from the House to the Senate and back again with few opportunities to to catch their breath.

If they did have a chance to grab a bite, they needed to move fast in order to make their next meeting.

All in all, Hill Day was a success.

We thank the trainees and researchers who continue to help make the case for investments in basic research. Participants reported an overwhelming outpouring of support from both sides of the aisle regarding the future of NIH and NSF funding. As we move closer to the end of a continuing resolution on Apr. 28, we will continue to push for proper appropriations bills that not only fund agencies like the NSF and NIH but also show an increased commitment to investing in the future of the scientific enterprise.

Enjoy reading 91Ó°¿âToday?

Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.

Learn more

Get the latest from 91Ó°¿âToday

Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.

Latest in Policy

Policy highlights or most popular articles

Seven steps to advocating in your home state
Science Communication

Seven steps to advocating in your home state

June 4, 2025

Find out how to schedule, prepare for and conduct a productive district office meeting to communicate the importance of fundamental scientific research funding to your representatives.

91Ó°¿âmembers call for funding and agency support amidst uncertainty
News

91Ó°¿âmembers call for funding and agency support amidst uncertainty

May 21, 2025

In 60 meetings on Capitol Hill, scientists urge legislators to reaffirm support for scientific innovation

Embrace your neurodivergence and flourish in college
Diversity

Embrace your neurodivergence and flourish in college

April 14, 2025

This guide offers practical advice on setting yourself up for success — learn how to leverage campus resources, work with professors and embrace your strengths.

91Ó°¿âhonors Lawrence Tabak with public service award
Award

91Ó°¿âhonors Lawrence Tabak with public service award

March 26, 2025

He will deliver prerecorded remarks at the 2025 91Ó°¿âAnnual Meeting in Chicago.

Summer internships in an unpredictable funding environment
Professional Development

Summer internships in an unpredictable funding environment

March 14, 2025

With the National Institutes of Health and other institutions canceling summer programs, many students are left scrambling for alternatives. If your program has been canceled or delayed, consider applying for other opportunities or taking a course.

Black excellence in biotech: Shaping the future of an industry
Observance

Black excellence in biotech: Shaping the future of an industry

Feb. 28, 2025

This Black History Month, we highlight the impact of DEI initiatives, trailblazing scientists and industry leaders working to create a more inclusive and scientific community. Discover how you can be part of the movement.