Save Research Week > FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Week of Advocacy for Medical Research?

To prevent destructive policy decisions and deep cuts to medical and health research funding, Research!America and its partners, like the Foundation Fighting Blindness, are launching a Save Research campaign beginning with a week of intensified advocacy November 12 – 16, 2012, when Congress returns for the lame-duck session. Using our collective strength, we will urge Congress to protect funding that will help combat disease and spur private sector innovation. The resounding message is: We Need Cures, Not Cuts!

What is the goal of the Week of Advocacy for Medical Research?

To convince Congress that research must be a higher national priority. Research must be funded at a level that ensures medical progress and capitalizes on recent medical breakthroughs on behalf of patients; doing so will foster timely access to new medical discoveries and advance public health, in the area of blindness research, as well as other fields. 

What are the possible consequences if we don’t act now?

The “fiscal cliff,” which includes across-the-board cuts known as “sequestration,” could result in massive cuts to federal health agencies and policy changes that would place private sector research and development in jeopardy. Significantly larger cuts are possible if the defense contractor alliance is successful in its goal of exempting defense from sequestration; in that scenario, non-defense areas, such as research funding, may have to absorb the full impact of sequestration.

Who are the partner organizations for the Week of Advocacy for Medical Research?

Week of Advocacy partners include research-focused nonprofits like the Foundation Fighting Blindness, patient advocacy organizations, advocacy coalitions, scientific and medical societies, industry, and individuals committed to saving research.