Bethesda, MD – The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) has released its annual report to Congress, Federal Funding for Biomedical & Related Life Sciences Research, FY 2013. "As a result of exciting new discoveries, we are poised to accelerate our progress in the search for cures, and it would be tragic if we could not capitalize on the many opportunities before us." said Joseph C. LaManna, PhD, FASEB President. "As other nations ramp up their investments in R&D, it would be very costly to cede our leadership in critical areas of science and technology. We recognize that these are difficult economic times. Nonetheless, it remains abundantly clear that research-based innovation has dramatically improved the quality of life for billions of people, and that our best hope for future progress remains a strong commitment to science and technology."
Below are the recommendations for the five agencies described in the report.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
FASEB recommends an appropriation of at least $32 billion for NIH in FY 2013 as the first step of a program of sustained growth that will keep pace with the increasing scientific opportunities and the demonstrated capacity of the research enterprise.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
FASEB recommends a minimum funding level of $7.3 billion for the National Science Foundation in FY 2013 to prevent contraction.
Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science
To promote sustainable growth, FASEB recommends a funding level of $5.1 billion for the Department of Energy's Office of Science in FY 2013.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
FASEB recommends funding the Veterans Administration Medical and Prosthetic Research Program at $621 million in FY 2013.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
FASEB recommends $277 million for AFRI in FY 2013.
The report outlines FASEB's research funding goals for the next fiscal year and will be sent to members of Congress and senior officials in the Obama administration. A copy of the report is available online here: http://www.faseb.org/Portals/0/PDFs/opa/1.30.12%20Fed%20Funding%20Report%20press%20release%20FINAL.pdf
FASEB is composed of 26 societies with more than 100,000 members, making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations in the United States. Celebrating 100 Years of Advancing the Life Sciences in 2012, FASEB is rededicating its efforts to advance health and well-being by promoting progress and education in biological and biomedical sciences through service to our member societies and collaborative advocacy.