Caitlin Leach, Manager of Policy and Advocacy March 16, 2014

Federally Funded Research: State of Play and Importance of Advocacy

Overview

•  Overview of Research!America •  Current Federal Fiscal Climate •  Public Opinion Matters •  Advocacy and You

Research!America’s Mission

Make research to improve health a higher national

priority

25 Years of Putting Research on the Public Agenda

•  Nonprofit alliance with member organizations drawn from academia, business, patient organizations and scientific societies representing more than 125 million Americans

•  Distinguished, all-volunteer board includes former elected and appointed officials, media and public relations leaders, and leaders from alliance member organizations

Making Research A Higher Priority

In Washington, A Phase Change

•  Dysfunction turned into baby steps — however shaky — of bipartisanship

•  FY14 omnibus demonstrated bipartisan progress but didn’t address long-term problems

•  Return to regular order will be tested in FY15 appropriations process

•  We can’t settle for “good under the circumstances”

Flickr photo by sean dreilinger

Congressional Approval: Still in the Dumps

•  Washington Post-ABC News poll: 11% strongly approve of congressional Democrats; 6% strongly approve of congressional Republicans

•  Gallup: Congress Job Approval Starts 2014 at 13%

Research Left Behind

Today is a time of unparalleled scientific opportunity. But… •  Sequestration is still law. •  Science funding essentially flat for 10 years. •  NIH purchasing power cut by 25% over the last

decade. •  Other nations are ramping up their investments in

research. We cannot accept this as the new normal

Colorectal Cancer Research in Decline

•  By 2008, National Cancer Institute at NIH funding of colorectal cancer research had increased 39 percent from 2000. •  In that time, there was a 28 percent increase in NCI research projects related to colorectal cancer. •  But now…

Colorectal Cancer Research in Decline

$245.00

$250.00

$255.00

$260.00

$265.00

$270.00

$275.00

2010 2011 2012

$ in

Mill

ions

NCI Colorectal Cancer Funding

Source: National Cancer Institute, 2013

Advocacy Tool: Public Polling

Most Agree that Basic Research is Necessary Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Even if it brings no immediate benefits, basic scientific research that advances the frontiers of knowledge is necessary and should be supported by the federal government.”

27%

43%

11%

5%

15% Strongly agree

Somewhat agree

Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree

Not sure

Source: A Research!America poll of U.S. adults conducted in partnership with Zogby Analytics, with support from the American Society of Hematology, in November 2013.

Do you believe the federal government should increase support for programs and policies that would increase the number of young Americans who pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics?

70%

17%

13%

Yes

No

Not sure

Americans Feel Government Should Encourage STEM Careers

Source: A Research!America poll of U.S. adults conducted in partnership with JZ Analytics in December 2012.

Few Americans Recognize the National Institutes of Health

9%

19%

6%3%13%

50%National Institutes of Health

Food and Drug Administration

HHS/Health Dept.

Centers for Disease Control

Other

Don't know

What is the name of the government agency that funds most of the medical research paid for by taxpayers in this country? (first volunteered responses)

Source: Research Enterprise Poll, February 2010 Charlton Research Company for Research!America

Very Important for Elected Officials to Listen to Scientists

In thinking about threats to our health, how important is it that elected officials at all levels listen to advice from scientists and public health professionals?

Source: Georgia Global Health Survey, May 2011 Charlton Research Company for Research!America

66%

30%

2% 2%

Very important

Somewhat important

Not too important

Not at all important

Most Don’t Know Their Elected Officials’ Positions on Research How well informed would you say you are about the positions of your senators and representative when it comes to their support of medical, health and scientific research?

7%

25%

36%

24%

8% Very well informed

Somewhat well informed Somewhat uninformed Very uninformed

Not sure

Source: Your Candidates-Your Health Public Opinion Poll, October 2011, JZ Analytics for Research!America

The public supports strong research investment, but budget cuts threaten future cures. Scientific advocates are well-positioned to help.

To advocate means to speak up, to plead the case of another or to champion a cause.

It is something that most of us routinely do on behalf of our families, our neighbors, our friends and ourselves.

Lobbying, in general, consists of communications intended to influence specific legislation.

Advocacy vs. Lobbying

Research!America does both.

•  Your right as a citizen •  Tool to turn the

spotlight on your issue •  Adding your voice

to the public agenda

Advocacy Is Democracy in Action

Engage Representatives & Staff

•  Build a relationship

•  Find common ground

•  Solicit support

•  Hold elected officials accountable •  Make an ask; Follow up

•  Thank those who support you

In this room, we all know:

•  Colorectal Cancer •  is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death •  accounts for 10 percent of cancer deaths in US

•  Early detection via colorectal screenings dramatically improve treatment outlook

•  There are over 1 million survivors of colorectal cancer due to advanced screening and improved treatments

Put a Face on Colorectal Cancer

During your meetings: •  Bring the statistics to life •  Discuss your

experiences •  Raise awareness •  Impact of colorectal

cancer in your community

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