Determination, Advocacy, and Support

As Senior Director for Science Policy and Regulatory Counsel at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Heather Pierce, JD, MPH, has long been at the forefront of advocacy efforts for scientific research. These days, that role has taken on increased significance.

Since the start of the second Trump administration, AAMC has responded decisively—and with considerable success—to executive actions that pose threats to education, research, and public health. AAMC has filed lawsuits and amicus briefs, issued news releases and position statements, and kept the research community informed with AAMC Abstract, a weekly science policy newsletter that provides updates on key federal agency activities, AAMC events, and engagement opportunities.

At times, the work has been exhausting. But it also has given Heather an invaluable perspective on navigating the research environment during months of unparalleled disruption and destabilization. And it has strengthened her determination to mobilize support for scientific discovery within and beyond the research community.

At AAMC and as Vice Chair of the AAHRPP Board of Directors, Heather emphasizes the need to “act and connect.”

“You’re not alone,” she said. “This is why organizations and associations exist—to amplify voices and advocacy efforts with policy makers. There are actions that individuals, institutions, and national organizations can take to restabilize and move forward in assuring the long-term health of the scientific enterprise.”

AAMC’s online Science Policy Hub serves as a clearinghouse for many of these efforts. In addition to the latest information on research issues and shifting federal policies, the hub includes links to submit comments to federal agencies. The AAMC Action Center makes it easy for individuals to send advocacy letters to elected representatives and stay informed through AAMC “action alerts.”

Heather applauds the research community for “pushing back, demonstrating extraordinary resilience in continuing their work, and supporting senior and early-career scientists” in an environment that questions and, in many cases, appears to dismiss the value of their contributions.

One of the administration’s first actions was to cancel thousands of previously approved grants for active, peer-reviewed studies. “Every one of those 3,000 letters of grant termination sent a message to researchers that their work wasn’t worthy of continuing,” she said, lamenting the situation.

Among the challenges of the current environment is the need to adapt to changing relationships and seemingly conflicting circumstances. During a panel discussion at the 2025 AAHRPP Conference, Heather spoke of the discomfort, but necessity, of taking on the NIH, a long-standing AAMC partner.

“We (AAMC) can be advocating on the Hill to get NIH the funding it needs to support research, and we can file a lawsuit against NIH—on the same day,” Heather said. She also cited Congress’ “widespread appreciation” for advancing discovery and remaining a global science leader, as well as the many years of bipartisan support that NIH has received. Along the same lines, she was quick to note that, “This can be an extraordinarily stressful, challenging time and a time of great opportunity” to identify ways to improve research processes and propose changes to potentially onerous regulations.

On a more personal level, Heather encouraged colleagues across the research enterprise to “keep fighting” and take care of themselves and each other. She called on more experienced members of the research and academic community to help uplift “new scientists and physicians in training. Let them know we are still committed,” Heather said. “Tell them we are doing this for you and with you.”

She also cited AAHRPP’s vital role. “In this uncertain, disruptive time, stability and reliability have been shaken in some corners,” Heather said. “AAHRPP standards set the bar and help build and maintain trust” across borders and within and among institutions.

“AAHRPP also creates networks to help researchers and institutions do what they’re doing well even better,” Heather added. “That AAHRPP community has always been important. In these uncertain times, it becomes a lifeline.”