Statement on Increased NIH Funding From the Associated Medical Schools of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2015

Contact: Anat Gerstein, 646-321-4400 or anat@anatgerstein.com

Statement on Increased NIH Funding

From the Associated Medical Schools of New York

“New York must capitalize on this larger funding pie.”

Jo Wiederhorn, President of the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY), which represents and acts as a voice for the 16 medical schools in New York State, issued the following statement about the increase to the NIH budget.

“I applaud our leaders in Washington for the much-needed increase to the NIH budget. Now, New York should capitalize on this larger funding pie to build the state’s research capacity and use it to drive our economy.

“Increases in the NIH budget support more academic research and help build the researcher community. Those researchers, with increased grant support, can make more major medical discoveries that save lives. But that’s not all: those same researchers will hire more research staff, create startups and spinouts, support laboratories and other small businesses, and help drive economies. Today, more than ever, we need to build a strong research pipeline in New York.

“Over the past decade we have seen the NIH budget slashed and the climate for research devastated as a result. Grants have been significantly harder to access. In some fields, the NIH was approving less than 10 percent of grant requests. As a result, too many researchers have been leaving the field and encouraging students to pursue careers outside of academic research.

“With the shifting of the tide at the federal level, now is the time for New York to up its own investment. We know it works. From 2002 – 2009, New York supported the research economy with a $36 million investment and saw a $250 million return.

“New York can capitalize on the increased NIH funding to build a stronger, healthier and more successful research environment and economy – but only if it strategically and aggressively goes after it.”

AMSNY is grateful to the New York Congressional Delegation, including the New York members on the Appropriations, Energy and Commerce Committees, and to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support.