Science Policy at APS

The American Physiological Society champions science-based public policy that supports biomedical research, strengthens the scientific workforce and advances human health. Our science policy team advocates on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies to protect research funding, uphold the ethical use of animals in research, and ensure that federal policy decisions are based in evidence. 

We monitor emerging policy issues, submit public comments and letters, and provide tools and resources to help members speak up for science. 

Issues APS is Monitoring 

APS tracks federal actions and policy proposals that affect physiology research, the scientific workforce, the integrity of the research enterprise and how it is funded. 

Federal Science Funding 
APS supports strong and sustainable growth of the federal science budget. View the APS funding requests for FY 2026. 

Grant Terminations and Funding Freezes 
APS monitors threats to active National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation grants, including actions that cancel, pause or defund approved research projects. 

Indirect Costs Policies 
Changes to how indirect costs are reimbursed would undermine the financial health of research institutions. Reducing these funds would effectively cut billions of dollars from the biomedical research enterprise, impacting researchers, their institutions, and state and local economies. 

Challenges to Animal Research 
Animal models provide unique insights into biological structure and function and are vital for advancing both human and animal health. Initiatives aimed at reducing animal research could prevent researchers from using the most appropriate model to advance scientific knowledge. APS supports ethical animal research under the principles of the 3Rs (reduction, refinement and replacement). 

Federal Workforce and Job Protections 
Mass layoffs and efforts to eliminate civil service job protections threaten the independence and effectiveness of federal grantmaking agencies. 

International Students and Visa Policies 
Restrictive visa and immigration policies jeopardize the participation of international students and early-career scientists in U.S.-based research. 

Our Policy Partners  

APS works with a broad coalition of organizations to advance shared science policy goals. These partnerships strengthen our advocacy on issues such as research funding, animal research, workforce development and science communication. 

Research Funding and Federal Budget Advocacy 

• FASEB – A coalition of biological and biomedical societies advocating for researchers and educators. APS is a founding member.
• Research!America – A nonprofit alliance promoting medical and health research through outreach to policymakers, media and the public.
• Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research – A coalition of scientific, academic and patient organizations advocating for NIH funding.
• Coalition for National Science Funding – An alliance of professional societies and universities advocating for support of the National Science Foundation.
• Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research – A coalition focused on advancing health care and research within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Animal Research and Research Ethics 

• Americans for Medical Progress – Promotes fact-based education and counters misinformation about the essential role of animals in research.
• National Association for Biomedical Research – Advocates for sound public policy governing the humane use of animals in biomedical research, education and testing.