Dear SRS Colleagues,
You have likely read or heard about recent Executive Orders that have issued a freeze on public communications from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); suspended HHS committees subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), including NIH study sections; suspended all work-related travel for HHS employees; begun to eliminate programs on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the federal government; and restricted the use of inclusive sex and gender descriptors. The Sleep Research Society is actively reviewing these Executive Orders to better understand their impact on our members and the sleep and circadian research field at large. As the situation clarifies, we will take appropriate action to support our interests.
I know that these orders create uncertainty and unease among the scientific community and recognize that they may impact your career and professional activities in important ways. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I encourage all of us to remain calm in the face of this uncertainty. Our responses should be well-considered and not reflexive, since many of these orders are temporary and their future unclear. As scientists we deal with unknowns every day, but we remain steadfast on our course. I recommend that you continue your important work – write your grant applications, prepare for study section, move your research forward, publish manuscripts, and review manuscripts.
I want to assure you that the Sleep Research Society is – and remains – committed to supporting all researchers and trainees who:
- Investigate the fundamental mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms;
- Examine the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms on health and disease in all members of our society;
- Develop, test, and disseminate interventions that improve sleep health and treat sleep disorders in all members of our society;
- Educate and train a diverse, dedicated, and engaged workforce.
We do not know what the future holds, but the SRS will keep our members informed as the ramifications of these Executive Orders evolve. In the meantime, our greatest asset is one another. Support your friends and colleagues, and persevere.
Sincerely,
Daniel Buysse, MD
President, Sleep Research Society