As the pace of scientific discovery continues to accelerate and with uncertainty about future National Institutes of Health funding looming, the competition for scientists and research dollars has never been fiercer. New York State has been a global leader in biomedical research for decades, but we face unprecedented challenges in maintaining that position. State investments in research have never been more important.

Biomedical research is critical to the state’s economy. New York was the second-leading recipient of NIH funding in 2024, totaling $3.6 billion — 70% of which was awarded to scientists at our medical schools. Statewide, NIH investments generated nearly $8.27 billion in economic activity last year, directly supporting more than 30,000 jobs. Further, NIH-funded research is the engine that drives medical discoveries and helps advance more than 52,000 biopharmaceutical companies and 109,000 jobs in the industry. This engine has been fueled by decades of consistent federal commitments to ensuring the nation’s preeminence in biomedicine — something that can no longer be taken for granted.

While our competitors are making bold, multi-billion-dollar investments in research talent, New York is at risk of falling further behind without decisive action. Since 2019, Texas has committed an additional $3 billion to its Cancer........

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