Medical Research Community Asks for NIH Funding Increase

Advocates for medical research funding are calling on Congress to increase federal spending for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

ACOI has joined a statement signed by more than 550 organizations representing patients, scientists, health professionals, research and academic institutions, educators, and industry, requesting at least $51.303 billion for the NIH for fiscal year (FY) 2027, which would represent a $4.087 billion, or 8.7 percent increase, over the FY 2026 enacted funding level.  

The statement reads in part, “Robust support for medical research makes Americans healthier. Patients across the country – from urban centers to rural communities – benefit from medical research supported by the NIH, which serves as the foundation for nearly every preventive intervention, diagnostic, treatment, and cure in practice today.”

It is expected that President Trump’s FY 2027 budget will include cuts to NIH funding and restructuring proposals. Past proposals from the Trump Administration have included capping indirect costs (facilities and administrative costs) for NIH research grants and consolidating the current 25 NIH institutes and centers to just eight.