The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) has released an analysis of the impact that sequestration would have on biomedical research. As set in motion by the Budget Control Act of 2011, sequestration would impose automatic cuts on federal funding starting January 2, 2013. The report predicts an 11.1 percent ($2.8 billion) reduction of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) extramural budget, which supports research at institutions around the country. Based on NIH funds awarded in fiscal year 2011, the analysis projects extramural research funding reductions for the nation and for each state in 2013; In eight states, these cuts will exceed $100 million.
"The budgetary loss to NIH would have a devastating effect on medical research," said FASEB President Joseph C. LaManna, PhD. "More than 80 percent of the NIH funding is distributed to researchers in nearly every congressional district in the United States. Cutting back on this investment will delay discoveries that can lead to new treatments and improved health. It will also discourage younger people who are interested in pursuing careers in science and negatively impact many local economies. It is imperative that Congress prevent such automatic, across-the-board cuts."
"These estimates are conservative as they do not account for either the rising costs of research due to inflation or ongoing efforts to shift the burden of sequestration from defense to non-security programs or exempt certain programs from the mandated cuts," noted Howard H. Garrison, PhD, Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Director, Office of Public Affairs.
The complete analysis, including a table detailing the state-by-state cuts of sequestration, is available here: http://www.faseb.org/Policy-and-Government-Affairs/Advocacy-on-Capitol-Hill/Explore-Resources/NIH-State-Information-Factsheets-Loss-Estimate.aspx.
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.