Bethesda, MD ― Thomas M. Burton reports in The Wall Street Journal that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) can see the light at the end of a decadelong financial tunnel—a $2 billion boost to its current budget, delivered by Congress in December.
Francis Collins, director of the nation’s premier agency for biomedical research, calls it “the most encouraging budget outcome in 12 years.” For 2017, the Obama administration is asking for $33.1 billion in spending power, up from $32.3 billion this year.
The rosier outlook for agency follows more than a decade of basically flat budgets. Increases in 2009 and 2010, in connection with the federal economic-stimulus package, were the exception.
Francis Collins, director of the nation’s premier agency for biomedical research, calls it “the most encouraging budget outcome in 12 years.” For 2017, the Obama administration is asking for $33.1 billion in spending power, up from $32.3 billion this year.
The rosier outlook for agency follows more than a decade of basically flat budgets. Increases in 2009 and 2010, in connection with the federal economic-stimulus package, were the exception.
Aside from that, the NIH, which disburses about 84% of its funding to hospitals and academic centers and does world-class research at its main campus, too, has been losing spending power since 2003.
What has this meant for cutting-edge medical research on cancer and other diseases—and for the scientists themselves?
The Wall Street Journal asked Dr. Collins to share some insights.
For the interview, click here.
What has this meant for cutting-edge medical research on cancer and other diseases—and for the scientists themselves?
The Wall Street Journal asked Dr. Collins to share some insights.
For the interview, click here.
