The Ohio Life Sciences Association (OLSA), representing 4,900 establishments in Ohio involved in the research, development, and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology-based foods and medicines, medical devices, biomedical technologies, distribution of life-saving technology, and management of clinical trials, expresses deep concern over the recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidance to limit funding for medical and life sciences research at universities. This decision will have far-reaching and detrimental consequences for Ohio’s innovation economy, workforce, and its ability to remain a cutting-edge leader in research and development.
Our industry relies heavily on Ohio’s universities and research institutions, which are at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, biotechnology, and life sciences. These life-saving advancements are made possible through critical NIH funding that supports both research and the training of the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and innovators. In 2024, Ohio achieved a historic milestone by securing over $1 billion in NIH funding, which is a testament to the state’s leadership in life sciences research and its commitment to improving public health. This NIH guidance severely restricts funding and undermines Ohio’s ability to compete nationally and globally, jeopardizing the state’s position as a hub for creating life-saving innovation.
The impact of this decision will reach far beyond the laboratory. Ohio’s life sciences sector is a significant driver of economic growth, supporting over 200,000 jobs, contributing $66 billion in economic output, and generating $2.2 billion in annual income taxes. Reduced NIH funding will lead to fewer research projects, fewer opportunities for collaboration with industry partners, and ultimately, job losses in both academia and the private sector. This disproportionately affects Ohio’s communities, where life sciences research and related jobs at universities like Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Cincinnati and research institutions like Cleveland Clinic, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital form a cornerstone of local economies.
Moreover, this guidance risks diminishing Ohio’s appeal to top-tier talent and investment. The state’s capability to attract and retain world-class researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses hinges on a vibrant innovation ecosystem, which is supported by federal research funding. Restricting this assistance conveys a concerning message to the scientific community and could hinder future investments in Ohio’s life sciences sector.
OLSA urges the administration to reconsider this guidance and acknowledge the crucial role that NIH funding plays in advancing medical research, fostering economic growth, and enhancing public health. We are prepared to collaborate with policymakers to ensure that Ohio remains a leader in life sciences innovation and that our state’s researchers have the necessary resources to continue their groundbreaking work. More information about the impact of the Ohio life sciences industry can be found here.
The future of Ohio’s innovation economy depends on it.
About Ohio Life Sciences
Ohio Life Sciences (OLS), the state association advancing and advocating for the common interests of the state’s life sciences community, convenes dynamic companies, people, and institutions to elevate the ecosystem in Ohio while supporting those that drive health, economic and social well-being in communities across the globe. OLS is organized as two nonprofit operations to best serve the life sciences ecosystem across the state, a 501c6 (Ohio Life Sciences Association) to serve as the member-based organization focused on economic and workforce development and advocacy; and a 501c3 (Ohio Life Sciences Foundation) focused on delivering research and funding that will accelerate and promote a robust life sciences industry in Ohio. Learn more at OhioLifeSciences.org
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