The recent decision by the Executive Branch to impose a 15% cap on facilities and administrative (F&A) costs for research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) threatens the future of medical innovation in the United States. This funding is vital for sustaining the infrastructure that enables groundbreaking medical discoveries, yet the new policy undermines the ability of research institutions to carry out their work effectively.
F&A costs, often referred to as indirect costs, cover essential services that keep research labs running. These documented expenses include maintaining security, managing data processing, and ensuring the smooth operation of critical research infrastructure. Without adequate support for these functions, researchers will face challenges that could slow or even halt progress in the search for new treatments and cures.
The federal government’s support for nuclear medicine and public health research is irreplaceable. For example, the NIH budget funds research in all 50 states, benefiting medical schools, teaching hospitals, universities, and research institutions. These institutions not only drive medical advancements but also create jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen local economies across the United States.
NIH-funded research has allowed the nuclear medicine field to revolutionize personalized patient care by enabling early disease detection and allowing for the creation of new and innovative radionuclides – these breakthroughs save patient’s lives.
Strong federal emphasis on medical research has allowed the United States to lead the world in innovation. Policymakers must recognize the long-term damage that a 15% cap on indirect costs will cause and take action to ensure that research institutions receive the necessary funding to continue their lifesaving work - the field of nuclear medicine, and the health of our nation, depends on it.
If you are interested in writing your elected officials on this important issue, you can fill out the following SNMMI call to Action.