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Research!America Advocacy Campaign

The Council on Undergraduate Research is happy to announce our support for and participation in an exciting campaign to educate the public and policymakers about the vital role played by NIH. The strictly non-partisan campaign is led by an alliance we belong to called Research!America. Right now, the campaign is completing extensive public opinion research to have the most compelling messaging and talking points at our fingertips. In addition to ads the campaign will run in the D.C. Beltway, the research will be used in the outreach below.

We need you to share your stories and be engaged!  Here is more information:

  • If you live in one of four target states, Kansas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Utah, we need you to share your stories. 
    • Have you been impacted by NIH funding cuts or budget uncertainty?  How does your research illustrate why federal funding for medical and health research is crucial? 
    • The campaign will help to place non-partisan stories in local press, radio, TV and online.  Media training will be provided and anonymity can be arranged. 
    • If you are willing to consider this opportunity, please reach out to nihstories@skdknick.com as soon as possible and mention your society affiliation. 
  • For ALL members, the Research!America campaign will include opportunities for outreach to members of Congress and engagement with the public through op-eds and letters to the editor.  
    • A special landing page, available after Labor Day, will provide the tools needed for effective advocacy.  Optional online training will be offered by Research!America. 
    • Stay tuned for more information

For questions about the campaign and our involvement, please email: advocacy@cur.org

You can also reach out to Research!America’s campaign lead, Jenny Luray, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Public Engagement: jluray@researchamerica.org

Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.

CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.

By Todd Waggoner

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