Science drives discoveries that expand knowledge and understanding of ourselves, the world, and future possibilities, based on rigorous, evidence-based research. Together with many others, FENS – the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies – has witnessed threats to the scientific endeavour in the United States with recent funding cuts and freezes, restrictive policies, stop-work enforcements, and the spread of misinformation. These challenges have global repercussions, undermining international scientific collaboration, a cornerstone of not only scientific research itself, but also of the global scientific knowledge exchange.

A reduction in public funding will slow down and jeopardise scientific progress and medical breakthroughs vital for societal development, increase disease burden, and impact communities facing environmental and health crises. Any restrictions on funding or collaboration also risk silencing the voices of those individuals affected by neurological and psychiatric diseases, limiting essential advancements that would improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. Furthermore, it will weaken global innovation and stability, which is essential for building stronger, more resilient economies.

Threats to academic freedom, barriers to open scientific inquiry and animal research, and the rapid dissemination of misinformation may also further weaken public trust in science at a time when evidence-based solutions and scientific knowledge are more important than ever. Without sustained investment and support, the pace of discovery will decline, having profoundly damaging long-term consequences that may take years or even decades to restore.
Discriminatory policies targeting diversity, equity and inclusion as well as marginalised and underrepresented groups will also threaten the scientific community. It is a moral obligation to stand up for our colleagues to support their continued inclusion in scientific research.

FENS and its allies express our full support to our scientific friends in the U.S. that fight against these imposed threats and call on communities around the world to stand up together in solidarity because science matters! With a united voice, we can further strengthen and protect the scientific enterprise to ensure the health and well-being of all. Science knows no borders, and when we invest in science together we build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for everyone everywhere.

FENS Societies and allies:

• ALBA Network
• Austrian Neuroscience Association (ANA)
• Azerbaijan Neuroscience Society (ANS)
• Belgian Society for Neuroscience (BSN)
• Brain Research Society of Finland (BRSF)
• British Neuroscience Association (BNA)
• Dutch Neurofederation
• Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN)
• European Animal Research Association (EARA)
• European Behavioural Pharmacology Society (EBPS)
• European Brain and Behaviour Society (EBBS)
• European Brain Council (EBC)
• European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA)
• European Journal of Neuroscience (EJN)
• Federation of Asian-Oceanian Neuroscience Societies (FAONS)
• Federation of Latin American and Caribbean Neuroscience Associations (FALAN)
• FENS Kavli Network of Excellence (FKNE)
• French Neuroscience Society
• GAMIAN-Europe
• Georgian Neuroscience Association
• German Neuroscience Society (NWG)
• Hellenic Society for Neuroscience (HSfN)
• Icelandic Society for Neuroscience
• International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF)
• International Brain Initiative (IBI)
• Italian Society for Neuroscience (SINS)
• Lithuanian Neuroscience Association (LNA)
• Mediterranean Neuroscience Society (ΜNS)
• NeuroLéman Network
• Neuroscience Ireland (NSI)
• Norwegian Neuroscience Society (NNS)
• Polish Neuroscience Society (PTBUN)
• Portuguese Society for Neuroscience (SPN)
• Serbian Neuroscience Society (SNS)
• Spanish Society for Neuroscience (SENC)
• Swedish Society for Neuroscience (SSfN)