Federal Funding Sparks Innovation in Science, Technology and Medicine

Have you ever wondered how the vast majority of scientific breakthroughs are funded? The answer is federal research grants. From weight loss drugs to life-saving cancer treatments, innovative scientific breakthroughs have revolutionized our daily lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few decades ago. However, funding cuts proposed by the new administration put the future of scientific breakthroughs, along with enormous economic benefits to our community, at risk.

Indirect funding is critical for scientific research

The term ‘indirect funding’ has been in the news quite a bit recently and may seem a bit confusing; it does not sound as important as it actually is. Indirect funding plays an essential role in supporting a wide range of research and development activities. The money doesn’t just vanish into thin air; it is the foundation for all research. It creates jobs for scientists and administrative staff like information technology (IT), support staff and communications. It allows shared resources like libraries, databases and computing infrastructure at universities and hospitals to run smoothly. It covers the costs of buildings, scientific and medical equipment, maintenance, utilities and all the staff who take care of them.

The economic impact of scientific research funding is immense

When governments invest in scientific research, they are stimulating future technological advancements and medical breakthroughs. These investments lead to the creation of new products, services and industries, which in turn generate more jobs and drive economic growth. Universities, hospitals and biotechnology industries, which rely heavily on scientific research, contribute billions of dollars to the economy and employ millions of people in local communities all across the country. As an example, each year, NIH awards over 60,000 grants that support more than 300,000 researchers at over 2,500 different institutions. In fiscal year 2023, every $1 of NIH funding generated approximately $2.46 of economic activity! Over the next 5 years, those same dollars will generate even more economic activity, estimated at over $12 for each dollar of NIH spending.  By supporting scientific research through indirect funding, we are ensuring a future filled with cutting-edge medical advancements and a robust and dynamic economy.

Federal research funding is critical; it stimulates local economies and fosters a culture of innovation and growth. Funding cuts to institutions and science research infrastructure will have profound and lasting negative impacts on the economy and health of our nation. If you’re wondering what you can do to make your voice heard to support science, medical research and a bright future, consider 5 Calls. 5 Calls allows you to pick the issues you care most about and is an easy and convenient way to make an impact.
Federal research funding allows scientists to explore new frontiers and find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. For all of our lives, the treatments available to us have been better than for our parents. By investing in science, we are investing in a better future for ourselves and generations to come. This path puts that at risk.

Signed, Chairs of the 6 basic science departments at the University of Colorado Anschutz

Leslie Berg, PhD | CU Anschutz Chair of Immunology and Microbiology

Julie Cooper, PhD | CU Anschutz Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

David DiGregorio, PhD | CU Anschutz Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Heide Ford, PhD | CU Anschutz Chair of Pharmacology

Casey Greene, PhD | CU Anschutz Chair of Biomedical Informatics

Wendy Macklin, PhD | CU Anschutz Chair of Cell and Developmental Biology

Aimee Pugh Bernard, PhD | CU Anschutz Immunology and Microbiology Science Communication Specialist

Disclaimer: The opinions stated in this article come from the individuals themselves and do not necessarily reflect their employer.

Sources for NIH funding facts