APA Activities Supporting the National Institutes of Health Peer Review

APA science policy staff continue to monitor increasing congressional inquiries regarding research funding decisions made by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Given the recent doubling of the NIH budget, it is understandable that Congress would exercise its oversight authority to ensure that scarce federal research dollars are being spent on high quality research that is relevant to the public health. However, congressional attempts to restrict funding for peer-reviewed research grants that have been through the NIH’s rigorous peer-review process have alerted the scientific community that policymakers need more information about the public health significance of behavioral research as well as information on the peer review process.

Psychologists are encouraged to show their support of NIH and scientific integrity by signing on to a petition developed by the Coalition to Protect Research, which is co-chaired by APA.

You can still take action on this issue. Sign the Coalition to Protect Research Petition Now.

More information:
Coalition to Protect Research Briefing Sheet [PDF]*
Letter from APA CEO Norman Anderson to House of Representatives [PDF]*
Statement of Rep. Leach in Support of Peer Review
Rep. Neugebauer's attack on NIMH [PDF]*