Policy Positions, Letters and Comments

The American Physiological Society (APS) represents the voice of physiology in science policy. Through formal position statements, letters to Congress and comments to federal agencies, APS advocates for policies that support ethical research, strengthen the scientific workforce and advance public health.

Review APS’s core positions and recent advocacy actions on issues such as research funding, animal care and workforce development.

Recent Letters and Public Comments 

APS engages directly with Congress and federal agencies to shape science-based policy decisions. Below are recent examples of letters and public comments submitted on behalf of the physiology community. 

Letters to Congress 

• Thank You to Senate Appropriators: APS thanks members of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee for their commitment to funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Disbursement of NIH Funding: APS thanks senators for sending a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget requesting full implementation of Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations for NIH.
• FY 2026 NIH Funding: APS urges strong and sustained investment in biomedical research through the NIH.
• FY 2026 NSF Funding: APS calls on Congress to fully fund the National Science Foundation’s research and education programs.
• House NIH Reform Framework Proposal [PDF]: APS offers perspectives on a plan by the US House of Representatives to reorganize the NIH.
• Research Needs Support [PDF]: APS explains why animal research is critical for medical and scientific progress.

Comments to Federal Agencies 

• APS Comments on Accelerating the American Scientific Enterprise: A national research strategy needs to support the scientific workforce, fully fund basic and applied research, and restore public trust in science.
• APS Opposes Fixed Visa Terms for International Researchers: APS opposes restricting F and J visas to 2 or 4 year terms, which would require international scholars to undergo a burdensome and expensive renewal process to complete their studies.
• Civil Service Reclassification: APS opposes proposed changes that would eliminate job protections for federal grantmaking staff.
• Postdoctoral Training and Career Pathways: APS supports efforts by NIH to improve training and career outcomes for postdoctoral researchers.
• FDA-NIH Workshop on Reducing Animal Testing: APS supports responsible use of animals in research and the use of alternative methods where scientifically appropriate.
• Cephalopod Care and Use: APS supports oversight and expanded resources for research on cephalopods.

APS Policy Positions 

APS’s policy positions outline the Society’s long-standing commitments on key issues affecting the research community. These formal statements reflect APS’s values on ethical research, responsible funding practices and scientific integrity. 

Key Position Statements 

• Ethical Animal Research: Reduction, Refinement and Replacement: APS promotes research practices that minimize the number of animals used, improve animal care and explore alternatives when scientifically valid.
• APS Reaffirms Animal Care Requirements: APS members are expected to follow high ethical standards in the use and care of animals in research, consistent with federal laws and oversight.
• Guiding Principles for the Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals: APS supports animal research that is scientifically justified and conducted with appropriate procedures, species and animal numbers.
• Animal Research Is Essential to the Search for Cures: Animal studies provide unique insights into biological systems that drive advances in human and animal health.