Turning an “Annus Horribilis” into Hope: How Scientists Saved Research Funding in 2025

Despite a tumultuous year marked by proposed federal cuts to NIH and NSF, coordinated advocacy by scientists—including many ASCB members—helped turn 2025 into a surprising victory for research funding. Through grassroots action, lab visits, Hill Days, and legal efforts, the scientific community successfully pushed Congress toward budget proposals that protect—and even modestly increase—critical investment in life science research.