Sign in

Robert Coghill

@robert-coghill.bsky.social
328 followers 56 following 30 posts

Neuroscientist who seeks to better understand pain. Professor, mountain biker, hiker, and into obscure indie music.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Robert Coghill
The Onion @theonion.com · 05/08/2025
‘Seek Funding’ Step Added To Scientific Method
theonion.com
‘Seek Funding’ Step Added To Scientific Method
PARIS—In an effort to modernize the principles and empirical procedures of examining phenomena and advancing humanity’s collective knowledge, the International Council for Science announced Thursday t...
152580434
Reposted by Robert Coghill
drkatiemartucci.bsky.social @drkatiemartucci.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
New paper from my lab in Nature Scientific Reports! Using #spinal cord MRIs, we show 1st evidence of decreased cervical gray matter volume in opioid-using #Fibromyalgia cohort, but with less GMV relating to less #pain severity & interference. #Duke_CTPM Full paper here (free!) 👉🏼 rdcu.be/eywsK
0102
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Michael Baym @baym.lol · 14/05/2025
Yesterday, the NIH R35 “Outstanding Investigator” grant to fund scientists in my lab studying antibiotic resistance was terminated for reasons not related to the content of the science, or any actions taken by me or members of my lab
A screenshot of the termination notice showing "Outstanding Investigator Grants"A screenshot of the termination notice with "This award is terminated effective the date of this award, due to unsafe antisemitic actions that suggest the institution lacks concern for the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students." highlighted
145875575
Reposted by Robert Coghill
drkatiemartucci.bsky.social @drkatiemartucci.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
New #OpenAccess publication from our lab showing #brain differences in regions involved in #attention during a reward task in individuals with #fibromyalgia , with potential influence of pain duration and opioid use. @dukebrain.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s41...
031
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Neil deGrasse Tyson @neildegrassetyson.com · 19/05/2025
If a foreign adversary snuck into our Federal budget and cut science research and education the way we’re cutting it ourselves — strategically undermining America’s long-term health, wealth, and security — we would likely consider it an act of war.
1163333258597
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Max Kozlov @maxkozlov.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
With NIH director Jayanta Bhattacharya dismissing my reporting as "false" and "spreading rumors" hours before releasing a policy that confirmed said "rumors," I feel compelled to respond. Here's an inside look into how this story was reported. It was a weird one. 🧵 www.nature.com/articles/d41...
On a Nature news article reporting that NIH planned to suspend subawards for foreign collaborations:
“No, that’s false. There’s going to be a policy on tracking subawards. The NIH and the government should be able to see where the money’s going.”

“I’m really uncomfortable with this conversation, because you’re like, actually spreading rumors that you don’t know anything about. … Nature also is spreading rumors. Halt foreign collaborations, that’s not true.”

“We’re working on the policy, Jocelyn. You shouldn’t be reporting rumors. I know there’s leaks all over here, but the leaks don’t actually reflect what’s happening. Don’t write about rumors. It actually makes the things that you and I care about worse. Like it spreads panic.”

Later that day, NIH released a policy that halted future subawards to foreign scientists and said they will need to apply directly for money under a system still in development.
261464534
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Wonder of Science @wonderofscience.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
These boxes are not moving. A mind-bending optical illusion by Japanese artist Jagarikin.
26293112353
Reposted by Robert Coghill
John Holbein @johnholbein1.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
a little pick me up lol for the academics in the room
632255
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Huge thank you!
010
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
The block spending, create a fake surplus, and cut based on the fake surplus looks to be a very real strategy to eviscerate NIH.
040
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Don Moynihan @donmoyn.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
New at Can We Still Govern: An anonymous NIH employee maps out the GOP budget gameplan to permanently gut our most important science agency. Impoundment, delay and red tape will create artificial "savings" that become the new benchmark for NIH budgets. donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-nih-bu...
donmoynihan.substack.com
The NIH budget is on a fast track to disaster
An NIH insider explains what Republicans are likely to do next, and what we can do
18991475
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Ted Price @tedpricethepainguy.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
@ardemp.bskyverified.social with some absolutely incredible writing in CNN today. I hope everyone will read what he has to say: "What began as a curiosity-driven question – “How do you feel?” has implications far beyond the initial scope, potentially leading to new types of treatments for pain..."
112
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
This is devastating for pain research. Linda Porter did such an amazing job building a real community from isolated fragments of research scattered across multiple institutes of NIH.
0105
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Ted Price @tedpricethepainguy.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Linda Porter has been an absolute hero to the pain research community for decades. She worked tirelessly and selflessly to promote a better future for people with chronic pain. Absolutely crazy to cut off her and her office’s important leadership.
0218
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Sarah Ross @sarahross1.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Thank you for speaking out @iasp.bsky.social! Words from @timothysnyder.bsky.social book, On Tyranny: “Do not obey in advance. Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given… A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do.” Institutions need to speak up for their values.
031
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Dr. Rajesh Khanna of the KhannaLabUF @khannalabuf.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Grad school dreams are shrinking. Universities like Penn, Pitt & Vanderbilt are slashing admissions, NIH funding cuts loom, & hiring freezes stall careers. Aspiring scientists face closed doors, lost opportunities, and a broken pipeline. This isn’t just a pause—it’s a crisis. #SaveScience #HigherEd
084
Reposted by Robert Coghill
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) @iasp.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
In a new editorial from Editor-in-Chief of PAIN @karenddavis.bsky.social reaffirms the journal’s commitment to considering #diversity, #DEI, and #GenderIdentity in pain research and management. bit.ly/3D5WgJO 
DEI Position
03416
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Nature @nature.com · 20/02/2025
Almost all grant-review meetings under Trump 2.0 remain suspended at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), preventing the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research from spending much of its US$47 billion annual budget. go.nature.com/4gM6oW4
go.nature.com
Revealed: NIH research grants still frozen despite lawsuits challenging Trump order
The Trump administration is exploiting a loophole to keep a funding freeze in place, leaving researchers in limbo.
8290237
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Looks like the Neurobiology of Pain and Itch Study section meeting was cancelled by the old "Don't allow them to post the meeting 15 days in advance in the Federal Register trick". This is an illegal Trump delay on the NIH funding process. Moreover, a phenomenal waste of reviewers' time!
100
Reposted by Robert Coghill
US Association for the Study of Pain @usasp.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Our mission is to promote scientific advances that reduce the burden of pain. Our goal is to bring together diverse perspectives to stimulate and support the study of pain, while translating this knowledge into improved pain relief.
194
Reposted by Robert Coghill
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) @iasp.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Now Accepting Applications for Gratis Membership. IASP is offering 175 memberships to trainees & pain professionals from LMICs through the Sponsor a Member fund. Don’t miss this opportunity! Apply by 21 Feb & share with those who qualify. bit.ly/4hCFXTT #PainResearch #IASP
Gratis Memebrship.png
085
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Siri Leknes @sirileknes.bsky.social · 15/02/2025
It’s time for all of us, in the USA and elsewhere, to act against the threats of facism. This article outlines some ideas of HOW & what works newrepublic.com/article/1905...
newrepublic.com
How to Take Heart From What Really Worked in the First Resistance
Marches and lawsuits are fine, but the real wins over MAGA last time were powered by grassroots activists pushing from thousands of districts across the country.
0114
Reposted by Robert Coghill
NIH Bear @nihbear.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Listen up @esa.int @ec.europa.eu you have a once-a-century opportunity to wholesale poach the intellectual engine of a continent. Fund some labs, and you’ll reap a century of scientific dominance. Exactly what we did to you in 1930.
512219
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
History is unerased for the moment! Another judicial victory!
politico.com
Judge orders Trump admin to restore removed health agency webpages
The decision by U.S. District Judge John Bates, a George W. Bush appointee, came after a testy Monday afternoon hearing.
010
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Michele Hornish @hornish.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
WashU is the second highest NIH grant recipient, receiving $683 million. WashU is in St Louis. St Louis is in a red state. Afaik red states aren’t included in the judge’s order restoring the allocated NIH funding. medicine.washu.edu/news/washu-m...
medicine.washu.edu
WashU Medicine reaches all-time high in NIH funding | WashU Medicine
WashU Medicine secured $683 million in NIH funding in 2024, an all-time high that affirms its leadership in shaping the future of medicine.
1542988705
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Reversal of NIH indirect cuts only applies to states who sued. Not Ohio. I wonder how many jobs Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost just lost.
100
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Science Magazine @science.org · 10/02/2025
Breaking news: 22 states are suing to block NIH’s cutting of indirect costs. See our updated story on the Friday night news and its aftermath. scim.ag/4hTJQ6v
scim.ag
NIH slashes overhead payments for research, sparking outrage and lawsuit
Move to cut indirect cost rate to 15% could cost universities billions of dollars
5410162
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
The states jump into action to fight the NIH cuts! www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
politico.com
States sue Trump administration over health research grant cuts
The move by 22 state attorneys general comes after the National Institutes of Health announced on Friday that it would slash billions in university funding.
011
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
So let’s say for example I get a $500,000 grant with 60% indirect. The total cost of that grant would be $800,000. Of which 300,000 would go to indirect. 300,000÷800,000 is equal to .375. This would be closer to the averages cited. These idiots can’t even use the right denominator!!!!
010
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
Something in the NIH Edict on indirects doesn’t add up. The average indirect is 27-28%? Since when? Maybe 27-28% of TOTAL costs goes to indirects? I’m suspecting that these assholes can’t even use the right math to screw up NIH. grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
grants.nih.gov
NOT-OD-25-068: Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates NOT-OD-25-068. OD
210
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
Easy link on Society For Neuroscience to write your senators and representatives about the NIH fiascos. DO IT!DO IT EARLY! DO IT OFTEN! FIGHT BACK FAST! www.sfn.org/advocacy/adv...
sfn.org
Available Actions
020
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Stephanie Noble @sneuroble.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
The SfN site automates the process of writing your reps—you can also edit the message to add specific concerns about the indirects cap using the template below: fromthescienceclass.substack.com/p/biomedical... (H/t bsky.app/profile/scie... )
fromthescienceclass.substack.com
Biomedical Research Under Threat: Urge Congress to Act Now!
A Friday evening plea from a concerned scientist
02317
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Science Magazine @science.org · 08/02/2025
The National Institutes of Health plans to severely cut the percentage of its grant money that can be used for overhead costs rather than research.
scim.ag
NIH slashes overhead payments for research, sparking outrage
Move to cut indirect cost rate to 15% could cost universities billions of dollars
11181100
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Senator Patty Murray @murray.senate.gov · 08/02/2025
This is what amounts to an ILLEGAL & indiscriminate funding cut for research centers everywhere. It will mean shuttering labs across the country, layoffs in red & blue states, and derailing lifesaving research on everything from cancer to opioid addiction. We all need to speak out to save lives.
821254525
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
Looks like the plan for gutting NIH is rolling out now. Let’s see how much of this plays out. d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net/NIH_Reform_R...
d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net
021
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
NIH indirects cut to 15%. This will kill biomedical research. grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
grants.nih.gov
NOT-OD-25-068: Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates NOT-OD-25-068. OD
001
Reposted by Robert Coghill
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) @iasp.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Hello, IASP Early Career Members! The Early Career Network (ECN) is working with IASP to support you with exciting initiatives. We want your input to help shape the ECN and ensure your voice is heard. Share your ideas, concerns, and wishes with us at earlycareer@iasp-pain.org! #IASP #ECN
ECN img
064
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
HHMI kills program aimed at boosting inclusivity in STEM education | Science | AAAS www.science.org/content/arti...
science.org
HHMI kills program aimed at boosting inclusivity in STEM education
“Inclusive excellence” program had committed $60 million to 104 institutions
120
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Science Magazine @science.org · 06/02/2025
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the nation’s largest private funder of biomedical research, yesterday killed a $60 million program aimed at making universities’ STEM education more inclusive. scim.ag/3EtS0US
scim.ag
HHMI kills program aimed at boosting inclusivity in STEM education
“Inclusive excellence” program had committed $60 million to 104 institutions
821023557
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Mark Peifer (He, him) @peiferlabunc.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Another crazed change from the Trump Administration: removing the NIH No-cost extension form
34238
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Jeff Weiner @jlweiner.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
The CSR comm I'm on just pulled all Diversity F grants from the current review cycle. These apps are reviewed alongside (and by the same criteria) as all other F grants. So, instead of helping these trainees, they will actually be punished by having their grant reviews delayed at least 1 cycle !?!?
21414178
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Ted Price @tedpricethepainguy.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
I am extraordinarily proud to be a USASP member. Among a lot of societies making bad choices, they are making good choices for the long-term health of our field, our trainees, and our sanity!
0123
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Male dominated Marginalized Minority Multicultural Oppression Polarization Racially Segregation Socioeconomic Systemic Trauma Underrepresented Underserved Victims Women
011
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Advocacy Antiracist Barrier Biases Cultural relevance Disability Diverse backgrounds Diversity Diversified Ethnicity Excluded Exclusion Equity Female Gender Hate speech Historically Implicit bias Inclusion Inclusive Inequities Institutional Intersectional
121
Reposted by Robert Coghill
Ted Price @tedpricethepainguy.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
Excellent writing from @dereklowe.bsky.social : What's Happening Inside the NIH and NSF | Science | AAAS www.science.org/content/blog... I think I would have appreciated it equally with the curse words.
science.org
What's Happening Inside the NIH and NSF
02612
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
The thirty dirty words you can’t say in an NSF grant.
washingtonpost.com
Here are the words putting science in the crosshairs of Trump’s orders
National Science Foundation staff have been combing through thousands of active science research projects, alongside a list of keywords, to determine if they include activities that violate Trump’s ex...
101
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
This is for the CDC. How long before intramural NIH and the extramural NIH?
000
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
And now the censorship begins. If you’ve got the words gender, transgender, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) and nonbinary in your manuscript that is under review , you have to retract it. www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
reuters.com
US CDC orders pullback of new scientific papers involving its researchers, source says
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is seeking to withdraw all papers involving its researchers that are being considered for publication by external scientific journals to allow for a review by the Trump administration, a federal official told Reuters.
101
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Won the first battle! Trump caved on federal grants! www.politico.com/news/2025/01...
politico.com
Trump rescinds spending freeze on federal assistance
A federal judge had already put a temporary block on the Trump administration’s actions Tuesday night.
020
Robert Coghill @robert-coghill.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Now the fight begins! www.politico.com/news/2025/01...
politico.com
Judge blocks Trump’s spending freeze
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan blocked the Trump administration from implementing it for now.
020