America Speaks
We have released our 2025 national survey addressing Americans’ views on research and innovation. The message is clear: Americans across the political spectrum want faster medical progress, and they want this nation to be a global leader in science and technology (S&T). More than 9 of 10 Americans want President Trump and Congress to elevate the priority of medical progress in this country, and almost 8 of 10 Americans are concerned that China will surpass the U.S. as the global leader in S&T.
One concerning finding: Nearly half (45%) of respondents believe their children will be worse off when they grow up; the three top reasons cited were too much time on social media (62%), inflation (56%), and growing social and political divides (53%). Of the 23% of respondents who say their children will be better off when they grow up, the most cited reason is S&T. The survey also finds that 48% say investments in S&T are creating jobs for all or most people in this country, up from 33% in 2024. Please read our release on the survey findings here, and view the full survey findings in our database.
Week Two: Confusion reigned this week as the White House Office of Management and Budget released a memo on Monday night pausing spending on thousands of federal grant, contract, and loan programs, inclusive of grant-funded research and public health programs. The directive prompted widespread concern and legal challenges. A federal judge subsequently issued an injunction temporarily blocking the memo. The administration has rescinded the memo, but uncertainty surrounds the interpretation of that rescission and the administration’s next steps after the injunction lapses. As this situation unfolds, this resource provides a basic timeline of events, and here is our statement raising concerns about the federal funding pause.
On the Hill: This week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated by President Trump for Secretary of Health and Human Services, appeared before two Senate committees, Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). These sessions provided an opportunity for senators to assess his qualifications and discuss his perspectives on health policies. For those interested in viewing the proceedings, you can find the recording of the Senate Finance Committee hearing here and the HELP committee hearing here. The Finance Committee is expected to vote on his nomination before it is considered by the full Senate.
Meanwhile, Congress has yet to reach any agreement on federal spending for the remainder of FY25, which began on Oct. 1, 2024. Federal agencies remain unable to plan for the future or address challenges that have arisen in recent months. The current continuing resolution (CR) expires on March 14. Please reach out to your representatives in Congress to urge them to act expeditiously on FY25 funding. Before we know it, we will be dealing with the FY26 spending challenges before Congress has finalized FY25 spending.
Optimizing NIH: Just off the presses and timely for a new administration is a new report on optimizing the NIH. Several of us have worked to produce a set of recommendations for NIH leadership to help speed research to drive medical progress. Thanks to Research!America board member Keith Yamamoto for leading the effort! Among the recommendations are those impacting peer review and training. Please take a moment to review “Optimizing NIH” and share it with your networks.
Connect With a Public Health Champion: Join us on Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. ET for a discussion with Dr. Alfred Sommer, Dean Emeritus, University Distinguished Service Professor, Professor Emeritus, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and recipient of Research!America’s 2025 Outstanding Achievement in Public Health Award. He will participate in a conversation with fellow Bloomberg School professor Dr. Scott Zeger. We hope you can participate in this special discussion. Register here.
Honoring Research Advocacy Stars: Please join us Wednesday, March 12, at the National Academy of Sciences for our 2025 Advocacy Awards program. We will be honoring individuals who are driving innovation, advocating for progress, and making waves in the world of medical, health, and scientific research and innovation. Take a moment to review the champions and advocacy stars we are honoring. The evening promises to be an inspiring night. You can register now.
I interrupt this letter to ask you to consider helping us at a very challenging time. The work we do at Research!America, whether it be advocating on behalf of the research ecosystem or honoring our champions, needs support. In today’s climate, your support on behalf of research advocacy is essential to accomplishing our mission. If you are able, please consider a donation to Research!America to support our efforts. Thank you.
Global Health Discussion: The global population aged 65 and older is expected to double over the next three decades: what are the societal and health implications of longer lives and aging populations, and how should countries adapt their health systems to prepare for them? Join us for an enlightening discussion on Feb. 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. ET featuring two experts in this area:
- Dr. Jepchirchir Kiplagat, lecturer at the Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Moi University School of Public Health and a researcher with AMPATH at Moi University in Kenya
- Dr. Rosemary Morgan, Associate Research Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the Department of International Health
In conversation with:
- Dr. Carolyn Meltzer, Dean of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
- Prof. Jonathan Cohen, Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California and Director of Policy Engagement at the USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health.
Please bring your questions and insights on these topics to this engaging conversation. Register here.
Condolences: I want to take a moment to offer my condolences, and those of all Research!Americans, to the families, friends and colleagues who lost loved ones in the tragic plane crash Wednesday evening. We were all unsettled and deeply saddened by what happened near the Ronald Reagan National Airport, which can be seen from our offices in Arlington. Our thoughts are with you at this terrible time.