The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is urging the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to rescind its announced plans for a sudden and immediate reduction in administrative and facilities expenses related to research grants that sustain innovative scientific studies at institutions nationwide.
On Friday, February 7, the NIH issued a memo saying that it would be reducing indirect costs to 15 percent on all current and new grants issued by the agency. On Monday, February 10, two lawsuits were filed on behalf of several states, hospitals, and national associations, resulting in a federal judge issuing a temporary restraining order pausing these NIA reductions nationwide.
“These cuts, and other announced executive actions from the administration, would compromise the United States’ role as the global leader in scientific research and undermine the U.S. economy,” said GSA CEO James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon). “These cuts will impact individuals and institutions working to improve the health and well-being of us all as we age, including the research of GSA member scientists. They will eliminate the jobs of people who work to support these institutions and our members, from human resource employees to accounting. Less scientific research ultimately means fewer preventive measures and treatment advances for patients, families, and communities.”