As NIH Cuts Loom, Research Organizations Need to Weigh Alternatives
Feb 14, 2025
As originally published by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
By Inga Rose, CEO, and Zoran Gatalica, MD, Medical Director, Reference Medicine
The recent announcement of proposed funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has sparked concern across the biomedical research community, and while the courts have halted this proposal for now, unease and uncertainty remain. The new administration’s budget plan specifically targets indirect research costs, which include essential expenses such as administrative support, facilities maintenance, and operational infrastructure. While some policymakers argue that these costs are unnecessary, researchers warn that such reductions could have severe consequences, particularly for cancer research and other critical (often life-and-death) medical advancements.
Scientists have also raised concerns that funding cuts could disrupt research already in progress, which could negatively impact both drug and diagnostic developers and the patients counting on those innovations. Potential delays in clinical trials may result in extended timelines for new drug approvals, and a sudden reduction in financial support could also lead to the loss of critical data if research teams are forced to disband before completing studies. In extreme cases, entire research programs may be shut down, wasting years of time and cost investment.
And the NIH is not the only organization facing potential upheaval. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has also been under scrutiny and is currently reviewing grants for compliance with executive orders on diversity and flagging those that don’t comply, all while facing proposed staffing cuts of 25% to 50% in the coming months. The FDA also recently removed content about diversity and inclusion in clinical trials for cancer drugs.
With all these changes coming at a rapid-fire pace and the recent confirmation of RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary, it’s time for researchers to take stock and form contingency plans.
