Rethink, recalibrate, and redistribute NIH Funding

Peter J. Pitts

DOI: https://doi.org/10.70542/rcj-japh-art-1yh5z28


Abstract


The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards billions of dollars in grants for medical research.1 But is the American taxpayer getting the best bang for the buck? Advancing science is a worthy goal, but perhaps the proper goal should be advancing science to advance patient care. That’s basic science and translational research. How can we explain this yawning chasm in program funding? Between 2010-2019, 83% of NIH grants (totaling $156 billion) were for basic research and 17% ($31 billion) were for translational research. Considering this vast financial differential in funding, it’s relevant to consider if the huge differential between basic and translational research is appropriate. Is basic research nearly 50% more important than translational research?

https://publichealth.realclearjournals.org/perspectives/2025/04/it-s-time-to-rethink-recalibrate-and-redistribute-nih-funding/