Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison, alongside other universities and industry partners, is calling on Wisconsin's Congressional leaders to safeguard funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding supports vital research, treatments, and economic growth in the state.

A letter signed by 34 bio-health companies and organizations urged Congress to maintain NIH funding levels. "Indiscriminate reductions in research funding like those we’re facing right now pose significant risk to our state and nation’s future," stated UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin.

At a news conference held at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman emphasized NIH's role in sustaining a strong bio-health ecosystem. Tom Still from the Wisconsin Technology Council discussed federally supported research's impact on technological advancements statewide.

Nicolas Paris, CEO of Gilson, Inc., highlighted that NIH funds attract biotech companies and drive innovation. "Cutting federal research funding... would severely impact not only our ability to innovate but also our ability to improve lives and grow our economy," he said.

Professor Karyn Frick from UW-Milwaukee noted that NIH funding is crucial for training future scientists. Sterling Johnson from UW–Madison stressed the importance of continued investment in Alzheimer's research due to its growing prevalence.

Sigrid Knuti, an Alzheimer's study participant, shared her personal connection to the disease and called for ongoing federal support: "I want this generation to end Alzheimer’s."