NIH Portfolio Allocation, Lemmings, and the Silent Spring: A Time-Capsule Commentary & Its Update

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research Funding
• Health Policy Analysis
• Grant Management

Background:

• The US Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 budget release initiated critical discussions on research funding priorities.
• Analysis of trends in funding for Research Project Grants (RPGs), including R01 grants, was conducted.
• Previous analyses by the FASEB Office of Public Affairs informed discussions with NIH leadership.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in funding for biological and medical research, particularly R01 grants.
• To assess the impact of budget appropriations on research priorities and support.
• To highlight the need for a unified approach from research and advocacy communities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of NIH data on Research Project Grants (RPGs).
• Review of funding trends since early 2010.
• Commentary on areas of growth versus declining direct support for R01 science.

Main Results:

• Observed declining direct support for R01 science.
• Identified growth areas in biomedical research that prosper at the expense of traditional grants.
• Data indicates a continued 'cull' in biomedical research funding.

Conclusions:

• Fundamental re-evaluation of research prioritization and funding is urgently required.
• Increased advocacy and unified efforts from the research community are necessary to influence funding decisions.
• Current funding trends may hinder progress in critical areas of biomedical research.