The Cost of Cutting Science: How NIH Funding Fuels Breakthroughs in Brain Research
February 25, 2025
Charles C. Lee, PhD, leads a passionate team of postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate researchers studying brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and auditory processing disorders—much of which has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The team is focused on discovering ways to improve early diagnosis and treatment. These are complex conditions, but early intervention can drastically improve the quality of life for those affected.
Read Lee's explanation of the cost of cutting science:
To be frank, nearly all our work would be impossible without the sort of extramural funding provided by organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It has been essential for conducting fundamental research that may take years to translate into clinical applications. Although industry builds on these types of fundamental studies, they are not likely to support them financially and are focused more on applying existing knowledge for commercial purposes.
But now, recently proposed NIH funding cuts have created uncertainty for my team and many others in the research community. These cuts could range from being a mild inconvenience to something truly catastrophic. If cuts happen in areas like core facilities or staff, or if our physical space and resources are reduced, the effects would be severe. While my team operates independently in many aspects, we rely on countless others who contribute their specialized skills and support, including core lab staff, lab animal personnel, and administrative teams that handle grants and logistics. Every person plays a critical role in moving our research forward.
Our research also requires lab space, specialized equipment, lab animal housing and husbandry, and dedicated administrative support. Our research needs such an environment to thrive—the specialized equipment, the labs, and the infrastructure that allows us to conduct experiments and analyze data. If we lose these key components, it directly impacts our ability to continue our work.
“ But the people who stand to lose the most are the patients. When research is delayed or halted by funding cuts, those who suffer from these debilitating brain disorders will be left waiting for treatments and cures that may never arrive. ”
Scientific research is a noble pursuit that elevates society beyond mere survival. It allows us to question and explore the fundamental truths of our existence and the universe. In a sense, supporting science is about uplifting our own humanity. It’s about investing in a future where we can cure diseases, explore the greatest mysteries, and understand the intricacies of the world around us.
Science requires careful, long-term planning and sustained effort. When disruptions like these cuts threaten to undo years of hard work, it’s not just a setback—it’s a potential collapse of critical research infrastructure. It could mean years of progress lost, especially for patients waiting for answers. In the end, the future of science and the well-being of those it serves rest on the choices we make as a society. And I believe we need to do everything we can to ensure that progress continues.