A coalition of medical schools and research institutions in New York is appealing to Governor Kathy Hochul to allocate billions in state funding for a new biomedical research initiative. This call to action arises amid ongoing uncertainties about federal science funding, particularly following changes instituted during Donald Trump‘s administration.
Supporters of the proposed Empire Biomedical Research Institute argue that this funding is essential not only to maintain existing research and jobs but also to bolster New York’s life sciences sector over the long term. “We can’t separate this proposal from all of the changes in policy and funding that have come out of Washington,” stated Jonathan Teyan, president and CEO of the Associated Medical Schools of New York. He emphasized the economic benefits of such an investment, asserting that it would significantly contribute to health care and economic development in the state.
According to an analysis by United for Medical Research, federally funded research supported over 30,000 jobs in New York last year, generating more than $8 billion in economic activity. However, the landscape has changed dramatically, with more than a thousand research grants in New York affected by federal funding cuts or freezes this year. Even as some terminations have been reversed, many projects remain impacted, as tracked by Grant Witness, a site monitoring funding changes from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In their proposal, the Associated Medical Schools of New York suggest that the state fund should begin with $500 million, expanding to $6 billion over the next decade. Nevertheless, competition for state funding is expected to be fierce as the fiscal year 2027 budget session begins in January. Ana Champeny, vice president for research at the Citizens Budget Commission, noted the impending federal cuts and policy changes affecting multiple programs, which may complicate funding priorities.
Several institutions, including Mount Sinai Health System, Columbia University, and the CUNY School of Medicine, have joined forces in advocating for this funding. In a letter to Governor Hochul, they warned that without such financial support, New York risks falling behind other states and countries that recognize the critical role of biomedical research in economic growth and community health.
Teyan pointed out that states like Massachusetts, California, and Texas have made substantial commitments to biomedical research in recent years. “New York state is a national leader in life sciences, innovation, and advanced manufacturing,” said Kassie White, spokesperson for Governor Hochul. She referenced ongoing investments, such as a $150 million initiative for a cell and gene therapy innovation hub on Long Island and Regeneron Pharmaceutical’s plan to invest over $2 billion into a facility in Saratoga Springs.
Despite these initiatives, Teyan emphasized the importance of supporting research at academic institutions to ensure a robust pipeline to the commercial sector. White did not provide a direct response to the funding proposal but indicated that the governor would reveal her plans for the fiscal year 2027 budget in January.
The uncertainty surrounding federal science funding continues to be a pressing issue. Researchers in New York and across the nation have faced setbacks, particularly as the Trump administration implemented freezes and cuts to thousands of research grants. Many projects were deemed no longer aligned with federal priorities, while others faced scrutiny due to allegations against host institutions.
The NIH has notably curtailed its spending, with competitive grant allocations dropping 41% below average by July, according to a New York Times analysis. Many institutions responded with hiring freezes, and some, like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, have had to make layoffs and reduce lab sizes. Bruce Stillman, president and CEO of the laboratory, highlighted the need for both federal and state investment in the life sciences sector to maintain competitiveness.
Earlier this year, a proposal by Trump sought to cut NIH funding by $18 billion, nearly 40%, but Congress has so far rejected this initiative. As the landscape of research funding evolves, the push for a state-supported biomedical research fund in New York could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the life sciences sector.
