2012-11-15

Help ASH Fight for Hematology

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) faces devastating budget cuts beginning January 1, 2013. ASH has launched a sweeping campaign to protect research funding and we would like every member of the ASH Grassroots Network to participate by taking action and sending an email to your Representative and Senators. Please take a moment TODAY to contact Congress.

Additional information about ASH's "FIGHT NOW" campaign is available online, including a "toolkit" of more actions you can take to make a difference: 

• TAKE ACTION– Join ASH's online advocacy campaign to send a letter to your Senators and Representative telling them about the impact that inadequate funding has on medical research and the need for a balanced approach to reducing the deficit that doesn't further cut NIH and other core federal programs.

• TELL YOUR STORY – ASH is collecting stories of the impact of NIH budget cuts to share with Congress, the media, and key stakeholders. Please share your story of how NIH funding affects your research, patients, or career by completing the online form.

• DONATE– Support ASH's new bridge grant program that will support talented ASH members who applied for an NIH R01 grant or equivalent but were denied funding due to budget cutbacks. Your contribution (select "ASH Bridge Grant Program" when entering your contribution amount) will help sustain recipients' research and contribute to their retention in hematology investigation.

• SHARE – Forward this message to at least five colleagues at your institution and encourage them to get involved and help ASH fight for hematology.

Learn What the Election Results Mean for Hematology at the Grassroots Network Lunch
Join ASH for a post-election analysis at the ASH Grassroots Network Lunch Saturday, December 8, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center, International Ballroom D. The event will focus on the impact of the November elections on hematology, what will happen to the NIH budget, how to get involved in ASH advocacy, and a presentation of awards to graduates of the 2012 ASH Advocacy Leadership Institute. Please RSVP via our online form by November 26.

NIH Director Launches Blog to Highlight Discoveries in Research
On November 1, Francis Collins, MD, PhD, Director of NIH, launched a blog "to highlight new discoveries in biology and medicine," that are "game changers, noteworthy, or just plain cool." Recent posts include video highlights from September's "Celebration of Science" forum at NIH, a view of the United States' obesity epidemic, and health disparities in childhood asthma. Dr. Collins' blog may be found on the NIH website.

NIH Issues Guidance on Supporting Postdoctorate Training Activities
On October 24, NIH Deputy Director for Extramural Research Dr. Sally Rockey's "Rock Talk" blog featured a post clarifying some misconceptions about NIH-supported postdoctoral activities. Activities such as writing articles, participating in seminars, and attending meetings and conferences can be compensated for postdocs that are supported on NIH's research project grants as well as those supported by National Research Service Awards. The guidance notes that the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Cost Principles Circular A-21 guidelines describe what costs educational institutions can and can't charge to federal grants and contracts.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Seeks Director, Division of Blood Disorders
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively recruiting for the position of Director, Division of Blood Disorders in the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (Position Title: Supervisory Health Scientist (Director); GS-601-15). The application site is open until Saturday, November 17, 2012. Read more.