Statement on NIH Funding Reductions

Federation of Association of Schools of the Health Professions (FASHP) Statement on NIH Funding Reductions

February 18, 2025

The Federation of Associations of Schools of the Health Professions (FASHP) wishes to underscore the vital role that sustained funding for Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs plays in supporting research activities funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These investments are pivotal for maintaining the infrastructure necessary for pioneering scientific advancements, which ultimately safeguard and enhance the health of the American people.

F&A costs encompass essential expenditures that ensure research operations run smoothly and securely. These include the upkeep of laboratories, management of data security, adherence to federal safety regulations, and administrative support that facilitates compliance and operational efficiency. F&A funding helps institutions maintain environments where transformative research can thrive.

Consider the ripple effect in a community where a single large research center may anchor hundreds of jobs—not just for scientists, but for individuals maintaining facilities, managing data systems, and supporting study participants. A reduction in funding doesn’t just affect the lab or the institution, it affects people—staff supporting the work and patients and families waiting for the next medical breakthrough. How might local economies be affected if research hubs experience a reduced ability to employ this important supporting workforce?

As we have noted, the value of these resources extends beyond laboratories and research personnel. They support the missions of health professions education programs nationwide, potentially impacting more than 1.3 million students and the faculty that educates our future healthcare workforce. Health professions education significantly contributes to local and national economies, generating billions of dollars annually and supporting millions of jobs. The diverse spectrum of NIH funding recipients—ranging from community-based programs to major research universities—means that uniform adjustments to funding will likely have far-reaching and highly varied consequences. 

Continuing strong support for F&A costs is crucial to preserving the nation’s leadership in scientific discovery and ensuring national security. Potential reductions in these funds could inadvertently create vulnerabilities in critical areas like cybersecurity, biosecurity, emergency preparedness and military medicine, where timely research responses are essential. A diminished capacity to respond to emerging threats could compromise the nation's ability to safeguard its borders and public health effectively.

Yet, the future holds immense promise. With sustained investment, we can accelerate discoveries that save lives, strengthen communities, and secure America’s leadership in science and healthcare. We invite policymakers to champion this vital investment, ensuring that America’s research institutions continue to be engines of innovation, economic growth, and national security.