Melissa Bauman

Delays in awards and funding calls worry NIH-funded researchers Many programs may be pushed into the next fiscal year, and some could face funding gaps

These NOFO delays have created so many gaps in longstanding programs, including programs that are congressionally mandated.

www.science.org/content/arti...

Immune conflict in placenta affects male fetal development The immune-conflict between dam and fetus could help explain sex differences in neurodevelopmental conditions.

“Understanding autism from a variety of perspectives, whether it’s neurological, immunological, or even ‘placentological’—I think those are all important pieces of the puzzle,” says @cheadlelab.bsky.social of @cshlnews.bsky.social.

By @vcallier.bsky.social

www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/pos...

How eight initiatives are tackling neuroscience’s gender gap In honor of today’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, The Transmitter spoke with eight women working to bolster their ranks in the field.

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science! For its 11th year, we’re celebrating eight women neuroscientists working toward gender equality in the field.

By Paige Miranda

#WomeninScience #neuroskyence

www.thetransmitter.org/qa/how-eight...

One of my favorite gifts for kiddos (and I get to brag that I know the amazing author!) 😊

Please stop saying the bill allows "no more multi-year funding" - or at least be clear the 'more' is in reference to disastrous FY25 levels.

The bill allows 39% MYF, same as in FY25, which contributed substantially to a 24% drop in new research.

The bill has some wins. MYF is not one of them.

2 First-Gen Scientists on Curiosity, Community and Discovery Megan Dennis, associate professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Siobhan Brady, professor in the Department of Plant Biology and the Genome Center, are more than an just office neighbors ...

Please check out these amazing women! They are fantastic scientists, committed mentors, supportive friends and honestly super stars! 🤩@bradylabs.bsky.social @mydennis.bsky.social @ucdavis.bsky.social
www.ucdavis.edu/news/podcast...

I signed up… please share!

Well deserved! Congrats Megan :)

Karen Bales Appointed Director of the California National Primate Research Center University of California, Davis, Chancellor Gary S. May has named Professor Karen Bales as director of the California National Primate Research Center, or CNPRC, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

I am very thankful that my wonderful colleague Karen Bales (baleslab.bsky.social ) has signed on to direct our center moving forward. She's been a breath of fresh air and incredibly effective in the 2 years that she's been the interim in the role.

www.ucdavis.edu/news/karen-b...

Please repost and share widely - winter break is a perfect time to assemble application materials 😅

“The quiet power of program officers lies not in control, but in care. Care for the science, for the people who conduct it, and for the public it is meant to serve.”

Governor Newsom announces top former CDC officials to lead public health innovation, collaboration | Governor of California

California leads the way. Again.

www.gov.ca.gov/2025/12/15/g...

Every day that RFK Jr. remains HHS Secretary endangers the lives of millions. Enough is enough. Congress has the power stop him. We applaud @rephaleystevens.bsky.social for taking action, and we're calling on our other reps. to do the same!

Join us in the fight: standupforscience.net/impeach-rfkjr

Agree, NIH staff saved the day. Despite their heroic effort, the bad multiyear funding (MYF) policy from Vought's OMB means fewer grants, fewer cures, & research workforce brain drain.

Any NIH appropriations bill must include language that limits the use of MYF in FY2026 - or this trend continues.

Kennedy Says He Told C.D.C. to Change Website’s Language on Autism and Vaccines

Political appointees should not be dictating the scientific conclusions of federal science agencies. This is wildly inappropriate of Secretary Kennedy and devastatingly dangerous for public trust in the CDC as a scientific authority.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...

The Transmitter’s Rising Stars of Neuroscience 2025 We recognize the outstanding achievements of 25 neuroscientists who stand to shape the field for years to come.

Congrats to my colleague Dr. Theanne Griffith @doctheagrif.bsky.social
for receiving a 2025 Rising Star of Neuroscience award! ⭐️ 🧠 ⭐️

www.thetransmitter.org/early-career...

Ask any woman in STEM if they, along with Sen Warren, knew Larry Summers was a misogynistic prick 20 years ago when he was president of Harvard, and let’s be clear, this institution enables and empowers these gross men and always has….from 2005:

Bauman and Schumann labs enjoying #SFN25

Amazing work Mandy!

Really disappointing that our #NIH colleagues will NOT be at @sfn.org this year, will NOT be discussing science, will NOT be advising us on grants, will NOT be sharing results or advancing research. 🤐

Congratulations to all the Democratic candidates who won tonight. It’s a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win. We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter.

USC rejects Trump education compact aimed at shifting the university to the right USC interim President Beong-Soo Kim said in a statement that he had sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education turning down the Trump offer.

USC rejects compact www.latimes.com/california/s...

NIH Leadership Is Failing Early Career Researchers Halted training programs, funding chaos, and hiring freezes jeopardize advancement options for early career researchers.

My op-ed just came out discussing how NIH leadership is failing early career researchers and, importantly, how we can push back and take our future into our own hands.

Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative - Burroughs Wellcome Fund by

The Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative is now accepting applications. Up to $500,000 over 4 years to support bold research into pregnancy duration, fetal growth, and pregnancy complications. Deadline: Dec 4, 2025.
Apply now buff.ly/rNhJKMW #bwfrepro

We have people in power making broad claims around certain drugs and autism that have been continuously disproven.

Tylenol and Autism: What the Science Really Says | UC Davis MIND Institute YouTube video by UC Davis Health

Video: What science says about tylenol and autism with Aubyn Stahmer, director of UC Davis MIND Institute youtu.be/8CcGalZFvvw?...

Let's be clear: no one should be taking medical advice from the man who told Americans to inject bleach.

To moms worried about the Tylenol they took while pregnant: you deserve better than being RFK Jr's scapegoat.

And to the autism community: you are loved exactly as you are.

Opinion | ‘This May Be the Most Difficult Day in My Career’: Experts React to Trump’s Autism Remarks

www.nytimes.com/2025/09/23/o...

Today’s announcement distracts from the urgent scientific work needed to understand the true causes of autism and to develop better supports and interventions for autistic people and their families. - Alison Singer

Taking a little break from reality…