The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is vital in driving scientific discovery and economic growth across the United States. Recent reports from United for Medical Research (UMR) and Forbes highlight just how impactful NIH funding has been—generating $94.58 billion in economic activity in FY2024 alone and supporting more than 407,000 jobs nationwide. For every $1 invested, NIH research funding returns $2.56 in economic impact.
For the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR)—home to NIH, the FDA, and a growing network of research institutions and life sciences companies—this funding is critical. NIH grants fuel the work of startups, researchers, and small businesses developing groundbreaking technologies in biotech, AI-driven drug discovery, personalized medicine, and advanced therapeutics. Without sustained investment, the entire innovation ecosystem is at risk, impacting job creation, commercialization efforts, and, ultimately, patient outcomes.