A coalition of medical schools and research institutions in New York is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to allocate billions of state dollars to establish a new biomedical research fund. This request comes amid ongoing uncertainties regarding federal science funding, which has been impacted by significant policy changes. Proponents argue that the proposed Empire Biomedical Research Institute would not only protect existing research and jobs but also enhance New York’s life sciences sector over the long term.
Supporters emphasize the urgency of their proposal. According to Jonathan Teyan, president and CEO of the Associated Medical Schools of New York, the changes in federal funding under the previous administration have put essential research jobs at risk. Teyan stated, “We can’t separate this [proposal] from all of the changes in policy and funding that have come out of Washington. But our view is that this is actually really good for economic development and for health care in New York.”
A report from United for Medical Research found that federally funded research supported more than 30,000 jobs in New York last year, generating over $8 billion in economic activity. Yet, the state has faced significant challenges in 2023, with over a thousand research grants affected by federal funding cuts or freezes. A platform named Grant Witness has documented these funding changes, highlighting the difficulties faced by research institutions reliant on federal support.
In its proposal, the Associated Medical Schools of New York recommends that the new state fund begin with $500 million and expand to $6 billion over the next decade. However, this initiative will face stiff competition for state funding, particularly as the 2027 fiscal year budget session approaches in January. Ana Champeny, vice president for research at the Citizens Budget Commission, noted, “There are big [federal] cuts coming and big policy changes with regards to both the Medicaid program and the SNAP program.” She added that the incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has an ambitious agenda that also requires state support.
Institutions such as Mount Sinai Health System, Columbia University, and the CUNY School of Medicine have voiced their support in a letter to Hochul, emphasizing the risk of falling behind other states that are increasing their commitments to biomedical research. They warned that without significant investment, New York could lose its competitive edge in an industry critical to both its economy and public health.
Teyan highlighted that states like Massachusetts, California, and Texas have made substantial commitments to biomedical research in recent years. In response to the proposal, Kassie White, a spokesperson for the governor, acknowledged New York’s leadership in life sciences while referencing a recent $150 million investment to establish a cell and gene therapy innovation hub on Long Island. Furthermore, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals recently pledged over $2 billion for a new facility in Saratoga Springs.
While White did not comment on the specifics of the funding proposal, she stated that the governor would announce her plans for the fiscal year 2027 budget in January. As the landscape of federal science funding remains uncertain, researchers across New York and the country continue to face challenges.
The effects of federal funding fluctuations have been considerable. Early in 2023, the Trump administration froze or cut funding for numerous research grants nationwide, with New York institutions experiencing significant disruptions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reduced its spending dramatically, leading to hiring freezes at many research facilities. Although some funding cuts have been reversed, many institutions, including Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, have had to implement layoffs and reduce the size of their labs.
Bruce Stillman, president and CEO of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, underscored the need for New York state to invest in the life sciences sector to remain competitive. He stated, “There’s an enormous amount of competition now, given the limited federal funding.” Earlier this year, there were proposals to cut NIH funding by $18 billion, representing nearly 40% of its budget, though Congress has so far rejected these.
As New York navigates these challenges, the proposed biomedical research fund represents a pivotal opportunity to secure the future of scientific innovation and economic growth within the state.
