On Tuesday, June 22nd, the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus met to discuss a clear and urgent message : without immediate action, we risk losing a generation of brain science. The consequences of federal funding cuts to neuroscience research aren’t abstract—they’re personal, structural, and irreversible. Right now, proposed cuts to federal research funding are threatening to upend decades of progress in neuroscience.
At TBF, we know firsthand how critical neuroscience research is to preventing brain aneurysms and saving lives. We need to bring patient communities together and support early stage investigators to celebrate progress and our capacity to eradicate disease.
Losing Ground, Losing People
Suspending research doesn’t just pause progress—it dismantles it. We’re seeing:
- AÂ brain drain, with Europe aggressively recruiting American scientists.
- A decline in international collaboration, as researchers are hesitant to travel to or partner.
- Entire communities impacted—especially those where the research institution is the region’s largest employer.
Research isn’t contained within lab walls. Hiring freezes, stalled innovation, and shuttered programs ripple into local economies, patient care, and global scientific advancement.
The Role of NINDS: Investing in People, Fueling Discovery
At the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the mission is clear: to reduce the burden of neurologic disease by supporting and conducting research to increase knowledge about the brain and nervous system and use that knowledge to develop new treatment and prevention. At its core it brings people together to move diseases forward—from basic science to treatment. That mission must be protected.
Important questions at the recent caucus:
- How do we better engage physicians to pursue clinical research?
- How do we make research accessible and human-centered?
- How do we support young investigators with seed money—just $25,000 – $50,000—to plant ideas that could become the next breakthrough?
It’s a people-centered process. Often, a doctor begins their research journey because of a family they met—someone whose story demanded more than a diagnosis. We must keep nurturing those connections.
Science Needs Champions
We’re heartened by new leaders  Representative Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Neuroscience Caucus which promotes a better understanding of how the brain develops, functions, and ages and seeks to raise awareness about the millions of Americans afflicted with neurological disorders or mental illnesses.
But we need more voices. And not just in D.C. We need them in town halls, classrooms, hospitals, and homes. We urge you to ask your Congressman to join the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus and we thank our Ellie’s Law champion Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for joining.
Your Role in the Fight for Research
This is a defining moment. We are not simply fighting for funding—we are fighting for the future of science, for the safety of our communities, and for the lives of everyone affected by brain diseases.
What You Can Do
- Support organizations like The Bee Foundation as we fight for awareness, advocacy, and funding.
- Call Congress. Make your voice heard. Let them know that this funding matters — to you, your loved ones, and millions living with neurological disease.
- Stay informed, and raise your voice. This isn’t just about scientists. It’s about us.Support patient advocacy and private funders of research who are dedicated to
- Spread the word. Many people don’t understand what the NIH is or how it impacts their lives. Let’s change that narrative and celebrate the research victories that have already been achieved — thanks to sustained support.
Keep the Momentum
At The Bee Foundation, our mission has always been clear: prevent brain aneurysms, save lives. We do that by funding research, connecting communities, and advocating for the resources science needs to thrive. We are so thankful for the support of NINDS, the American Brain Coalition and the leaders and members of the 2025 Neuroscience Caucus
Together, we can keep science moving forward.
With urgency and resolve,
The Bee Foundation
