Principles for the Future of Biomedical Research in the United States and Optimizing the National Institutes of Health
Published: February 19, 2025
- This Presidential Advisory outlines the American Heart Association's principles for the future of biomedical research and optimizing the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH and other federal agencies play a critical role in funding and implementing biomedical research initiatives that support cardiovascular health and provide important economic returns.
- The scientific advancements and groundbreaking achievements from NIH-sponsored research have contributed to making steep declines in CVD deaths possible over the past seven decades. However, public funding for biomedical research has not kept up with the burden of disease or rates of inflation.
- Given the AHA’s unique position representing patients, clinicians, scientists, and as a research funder, we offer our principles to optimize the future of the U.S. biomedical research enterprise. Specifically, the U.S. should continue to prioritize novel, innovative, and impactful research, improve efficiency in its peer review process; lead in translating evidence into practice; support the current and future biomedical workforce; and ensure robust and reliable public investment for the future.