Washington, D.C. – January 28, 2026 – Taylor Woodward, Ph.D., a neuroscientist, educator, and musician, has been awarded the inaugural CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship. The fellowship is a partnership between The College on Problems of Drug Dependence and Americans for Medical Progress (AMP). The fellowship aims to cultivate the next generation of science policy advocates dedicated to promoting the essential role of animal research in addressing drug use and use disorders.

Animal models remain a cornerstone of research into the neurobiological and behavioral underpinnings of substance use disorders. However, these critical tools face growing scrutiny through legislative, policy, and public pressure. There is a clear and urgent need for scientists—particularly those early in their careers—to gain direct experience in the policy landscape and become equipped to advocate effectively for the continued use of humane and ethical animal research in this space.

This fellowship will provide emerging scientists with mentorship, experience, and training at the intersection of science, policy, and advocacy, ensuring the continued advancement of research that informs solutions to pressing public health challenges.

Dr. Woodward believes that “animal models are indispensable for understanding how drugs affect the nervous system, and the more we understand addiction neurobiology, the more we can provide new and better strategies to alleviate problems associated with substance use disorders.”  He looks forward to partnering with policymakers to facilitate scientific research. He shares that he is “excited for the unique mentored opportunity to learn how scientists can advocate for policies regarding the ethical use of animals in addiction research as a part of the CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship.”

Dr. Woodward studies how chronic opioid use alters signaling lipids, a class of molecules that regulate neurotransmission and inflammation. He is currently an Assistant Research Scientist at Indiana University-Bloomington. He has spent over a decade using preclinical animal models to uncover mechanisms of addiction and explore potential treatments for substance use disorders. Taylor earned a dual Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Psychology from IU Bloomington and has authored/co-authored 17 peer-reviewed articles in academic journals. Passionate about bridging science and society, he shares original songs about the brain through music videos online as well as locally at outreach events.

For more information about the CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship, visit our webpage.

About The College on Problems of Drug Dependence

The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), established in 1929, is the longest-standing group in the United States addressing problems of drug and substance use, dependence, and addiction research. From 1929 until 1976, the CPDD was associated with the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council. Since 1976, the organization has functioned as an independent body affiliated with other scientific and professional societies representing various disciplines concerned with problems of drug use and use disorders. In 1991, the CPDD evolved into a membership organization with the new name of College on Problems of Drug Dependence. Currently, CPDD has over 1,000 members. The organization serves as an interface among government, industry, and academic communities, maintaining liaisons with regulatory and research agencies as well as education, treatment, and prevention facilities in the field of drug use and use disorders. Learn more at cpdd.org.

About Americans for Medical Progress

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is a nonprofit, health research advocacy group that supports the advancement of human and animal medicine through responsible and highly regulated research in animals.  AMP informs the public about animal-based research through outreach events like Biomedical Research Awareness Day, news and opinion articles, social media interactions and various online and printed publications. AMP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity supported by the nation’s top universities, private research facilities, research-related businesses, scientific and professional societies, as well as by foundation grants and contributions by individuals. AMP’s Board of Directors is composed of physicians, researchers, veterinarians, and university officials. Learn more at amprogress.org.

Download the press release here.