The American Society of Human Genetics released the following statement in response to the recent announcement from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding the implementation of a 15% reimbursement rate cap for Facilities and Administration (F&A) costs, applicable to both new and existing grants as of February 10. Although a temporary restraining order is in place, future legal rulings may permit the implementation of this new policy.
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is deeply concerned by the recent abrupt changes to NIH funding policies that would severely limit essential resources for the biomedical research ecosystem. Facilities and administrative (F&A) costs – sometimes referred to as indirect costs – support critical research infrastructure including lab space, core and shared research facilities, safety training, secure data storage, and compliance with federal regulations at the grantee institution. The sudden and significant reduction in NIH funding will have a profound and immediate effect on biomedical research, as well as on our local, state, and national economies. These cuts put people out of work – not just researchers and clinicians, but the critical technical support staff and business owners who supply universities and hospitals in their local communities.
Genetics and genomics are fundamental to understanding nearly all diseases and conditions that impact people everywhere. Recent breakthroughs in genetic research and its applications have transformed treatment approaches, leading to significant successes such as the first CRISPR-Cas-9-based gene therapy approved for sickle cell disease and hope for treatments for other genetic diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The value of human genetics and genomics cannot be understated. NIH funding supports research for better approaches for the detection and diagnosis of genetic disorders in Texas and the development of therapeutic strategies for phenylketonuria (PKU), the most common inborn error of metabolism, in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, the Human Genome Project, and its successors including the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium, an effort to capture the entirety of human genetic variation, and the work done by the Telomere to Telomere (T2T) consortium to generate the first complete, gapless sequence of a human genome, demonstrate how vital federal funding is to support the infrastructure for these herculean efforts in DNA sequencing.
Genetic research is at the forefront of innovations that will lead to more effective treatments and ultimately save lives. From the discovery of genetic markers for disease to the development of precision medicine tailored to individuals’ unique genetic makeup, every breakthrough is dependent on well-supported research facilities and skilled personnel. Cutting funding for these essential services will directly delay progress in these vital areas, costing lives and stalling the creation of therapies that could alleviate suffering for millions of Americans.
ASHG believes that people worldwide should be able to realize the full potential and benefits of human genetics and genomics research. We are joining with our advocacy partners to communicate to Congress the negative impact that this policy change will have on biomedical research and urge Congress to preserve the existing F&A funding agreements so that essential progress is not stalled.
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About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its community of nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://www.ashg.org.
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