Washington politics usually seem far removed from life at the lab bench. But issues at the federal level can affect what funds the government makes available for grants of all types, from R01 to SBIR. If you understand the ever-changing landscape, you may be able frame your application so it is successful, or expand into research areas that are more likely to get funded. To get the big picture from Ryan Davison, government affairs manager at the American Chemical Society in Washington, DC, join us on April 3. Ryan will provide a general political update, highlight specific pieces of legislation meaningful to researchers, discuss key congressional committees, and explain how Republicans and Democrats view the economy differently. Additionally, Ryan will take a look at SBIR and proof-of-concept funding, and highlight areas likely to get funding in the near future.
Where and When
Room N-114, Genentech Hall, UCSF Mission Bay (600 16th St., San Francisco)
Noon to 1:00 pm, Monday, April 3
About the Speaker
Dr. Ryan Davison is currently the Manager of Government Affairs at the American Chemical Society where he advocates for legislation that supports the chemical industry. Dr. Davison manages advocacy and policy development on priority issues including manufacturing, tax and trade, intellectual property, patents, biomedical research, innovation and competitiveness, agency funding, and appropriations. Most of his time is spent on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers and their staff, attending Congressional hearings and mark-ups, and monitoring bills relevant to the chemical enterprise. Ryan possesses a distinct background of policy and science experience. Before joining the ACS he worked as a policy Fellow at the National Academy of Sciences, served as Biosecurity Analyst at the Federation of American Scientists, was a post-doctoral Fellow at Georgetown University, and an adjunct professor at George Washington University. He holds and Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University, a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and is in a unique position to be able to personally highlight the importance of innovation and research to members of Congress and their staff.