Mayo Clinic, 18 other leading research institutions urge Congress to maintain funding levels for NIH

Mayo Clinic and 18 other leading medical research institutions nationwide are urging congressional leaders to maintain current funding levels for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They say medical research funding is essential for the health of the nation and the economy. NIH-funded research happens in all 50 states, and occurs in large and small communities across the nation — strengthening the economy and creating jobs. It is estimated that every $1 million in federal research funding creates at least 16 jobs in a community.

The institutions also ask that a federal salary cap for NIH-funded researchers be returned to its previous level. The letter says the pay cut to scientists will drive some away and make recruitment of "the best and the brightest" even more difficult.

Most medical research at U.S. academic medical centers -- whether laboratory studies or clinical trials -- is supported by NIH dollars. That includes research in all key disease areas: all types of cancer; Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders; heart and lung diseases; diabetes and obesity; genetic conditions; infectious diseases; mental illness and more. Almost any major advance or therapy in these areas has involved NIH funding.

In recent years, inflation and budget cuts have led to cuts in award amounts and the number of grants. In the past, one-third of grant applications received funding in many disciplines. Now only 12 percent in some areas win funding. Difficulty obtaining grants has driven some experienced researchers from their scientific careers and made many students think twice about research as a career choice.

Those signing the letter are:

Arizona State University
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute
Duke University School of Medicine
Henry Ford Health System
Mayo Clinic
New York University School of Medicine
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
University of California Health System
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
University of Michigan Health System
University of Minnesota
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas System
University of Utah School of Medicine
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
University of Wisconsin System
Vanderbilt University