Advocacy Opportunities for UCSF Trainees
UCSF Government Relations sponsors several opportunities every year for professional students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars to learn about and directly engage in science policy advocacy.
Rally for Medical Research
September 18, 2025
Every September, a broad coalition of groups representing the medical research advocacy community meet with House and Senate offices in Washington, DC to urge members of Congress to make funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) a national priority. UCSF sponsors two students to participate.
AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop
April 2026
The CASE workshop is an exciting opportunity to learn from science policy and advocacy experts about the role of science in policymaking and the federal policy-making process. UCSF sends two learners every year to develop skills to become a voice for research throughout their careers.
Join UCSF Advocates
Now more than ever, it is critical that #UCSFStandsUp and speaks out to help shape local, state, and federal policies that promote our core mission of healthcare, scientific research, education, and public service.
Join us to find opportunities to connect with local, state, and federal lawmakers, participate in advocacy events and trainings, and receive our newsletter with actions you can take to advocate for policy change.
Take Action
You don't have to be an official UCSF Advocate to join us. Here are some of our key initiatives. See all current advocacy efforts
Protect NIH Against Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Cuts
On Friday, February 7, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that it would immediately slash facilities and administrative (F&A) funding for research institutions. When the NIH awards a research grant, it provides F&A funding at a negotiated rate to cover the costs of cutting-edge research facilities, advanced technology, computing power, research security, and the other costs necessary to conduct the research.
The NIH announced that the indirect cost rate will now be capped at 15%, which would significantly cut funding that supports the cost of building and maintaining the specialized infrastructure, labs, and tools needed for research. As the largest public recipient of NIH funds, UCSF is one of the most important voices for the research community in opposing these cuts.
Members of Congress need to hear from you to know how devastating these cuts will be to UCSF’s ability to perform life-saving research. Click below to email your representatives.
UCSF Votes
You are the Difference. VOTE.
UCSF is committed to encouraging civic participation throughout our campus and community. Voting is how you make your voice count.
Advocacy Guidelines
UCSF’s research and advocacy plays an important role in shaping public policy. However, as a 501(c)(3) and a state entity, there are legal restrictions on the types of political activities UCSF employees can engage in on behalf of UCSF. Follow these guidelines to be successful when advocating in your UCSF and person capacities.
UC Advocacy Network
UCSF also is part of the UC Advocacy Network, which engages community members to help highlight the impact of UC's contributions to government officials and policymakers in Sacramento and Washington D.C. Stay informed about issues relevant to the UC system.