Tremendous effort has gone into bringing NIH's budget more than halfway to doubling, and we need to keep on track if we are to bring the benefits of a doubled NIH to the American people. NIH Research Improves Human Health and Has a Major Economic Impact NIH-supported scientists have made enormous contributions to improving the health and quality of life for all Americans. They will continue to make advances if they are given the resources to pursue the wide array of promising scientific opportunities, which still outpace the available funding. At present, the survival gain over the rate that existed in the 1960s represents more than 80,000 additional cancer survivors each year. Revolutionized biomedical science through research in molecular genetics and genomics.
Researchers now are able to locate, identify, and describe the function of many human genes.
Scientists predict this new knowledge will lead to genetic tests to diagnose diseases and the eventual development of drug treatments. NIH research also has helped create entire new industries, such as biotechnology, which employs tens of thousands and contributes to the creation of new therapies, cures, and diagnostic tools. Universities Perform Most of NIH-Supported Research and Training Some 85 percent of the NIH budget is spent on research grants and contracts at more than 1,700 research universities and institutions across the United States. NIH training grants support 40,000 graduate students and post-docs in universities, and help develop a robust and diverse base of scientific talent critical to the future success of the nation's medical research efforts.