Protecting the Future of Biomedical Research: A Call to Defend NIH Funding

To the Scientific Community and the Public,

 

The ongoing freeze and efforts to slash NIH funding pose an existential threat to the future of biomedical research. As scientists, we see firsthand how federal investment in research leads to medical breakthroughs that benefit all people—curing diseases, improving quality of life, and strengthening our nation’s position as a leader in innovation. Yet, despite the undeniable impact of biomedical research, funding is being slashed, and attempts to stall critical programs are underway. If these cuts continue, the consequences will be felt for decades.

 

Scientific progress does not happen overnight. It is the result of sustained funding, collaboration, and commitment. Drastic budget reductions will stall projects, disrupt labs, and drive talented researchers—especially early-career scientists—out of the field. The ripple effect will be devastating, slowing the development of new treatments, vaccines, and technologies that millions rely on.

 

Particularly alarming is the targeting of programs designed to support historically excluded groups, including people of color, women, and LGBTQ scientists. Cutting these initiatives is not only unjust but short-sighted. Diversity in science drives innovation. The strongest scientific breakthroughs arise from collaboration among people with different perspectives, experiences, and expertise. If we push talented minds out of research, we all lose.

 

What are we doing about it? We are mobilizing. We are working with academic institutions and industry partners to educate the public on the necessity of NIH funding. We are calling on our representatives and senators to demand support for biomedical research. We encourage all scientists, students, and allies to join us in this fight—write, call, and speak up. Science cannot be a partisan issue when human lives are at stake. We urge policymakers to recognize what is at risk and take action to protect the future of biomedical research. The cost of inaction is simply too high.

 

For further discussion on the impact of NIH funding changes, listen to Vermont Edition, where Jack Glaser, CEO/Founder, shares insights on how these shifts affect research. Listen here.

 

We want to hear from you. What challenges are you facing? How can we help? Reach out—let’s navigate this together.

 

Sincerely,
MBF Bioscience