Four billion dollars a year. That is the drastic reduction in funding for future biomedical research handed down by the Trump Administration. As a junior at the high school, I am deeply concerned about the recent funding cuts from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). These funding cuts threaten groundbreaking research, economic growth and educational opportunities in Massachusetts and beyond.
Slashing the NIH’s indirect costs to 15 percent, as the NIH is doing, will severely reduce support for research scholarships, computational resources and lab equipment—critical aspects of biomedical research and innovation—across the country.
Recently, while visiting colleges, I was inspired by the advanced STEM research opportunities at leading universities. However, these funding cuts will limit access to these crucial programs for millions of aspiring students, including myself, hindering our ability to contribute to scientific discoveries and improve population health.
Beyond research, reduced federal funding will further impact the overall quality of higher education offered at universities in Massachusetts and beyond. Research funding cuts will force universities to reduce course offerings, terminate programs and lay off faculty and research staff, particularly in non-science fields. For example, facing persistent budget problems, Brandeis University severed its partnership with The Lydian Quartet, a prestigious cultural asset to the campus community. These types of ripple effects extend far beyond STEM, resulting in the elimination of arts and humanities programs.
As someone raised in a family that values science and arts, I have experienced firsthand how a well-rounded education fosters curiosity and resilience. I am grateful to my parents for their support in instilling the value of lifelong learning. With proficiency in English, Chinese and a working knowledge of French, I have learned to navigate different cultural contexts, cope with adversities and adapt to new environments. I am always excited to explore many disciplines to foster an intrinsic love for learning through scientific discovery and research, art creation or engaging in community activities. However, these drastic funding cuts will deprive future generations of these critical interdisciplinary learning opportunities that build towards a holistic education across all fields of study in academia. These financial constraints will certainly undermine an optimal education experience for students.
Massachusetts has long been a global leader in medical and scientific innovation, from polio treatments to COVID-19 breakthroughs. Growing up in Brookline, I am surrounded by top-tier research institutions and understand scientific research’s vital role in improving lives and community well-being. Cutting funding disrupts the synergy between academia, industry and government, risking Massachusetts’ status as a global biomedical hub.
Finally, these reductions will hinder America’s ability to attract top global talent and maintain leadership in biomedical research. Massachusetts’ world-class institutions drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. The United States has long been a magnet, attracting the brightest minds in science. Reducing support for this ecosystem will likely undermine our global competitiveness and leadership in scientific advancement.
While cutting $4 billion from NIH and $5 billion from NSF annually may offer short-term budget relief, the long-term consequences will be devastating; it would undermine America’s scientific workforce, hinder technological advancements and weaken economic strength. A dedicated investment in research and education is not an expense; it is an absolute necessity for America’s future. We must reconsider these budget reductions and support sustained funding for science and biomedical research to ensure ongoing innovation, economic prosperity and educational excellence.
Please support my petition at the following link to prevent research funding cuts: tinyurl.com/NIHPetition.
