The letter expresses concern over the policy and its potential long-term impact, according to a March 5 news release shared with Becker’s. The Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates if implemented would disrupt research operations, put financial strains on institutions and could force programs to scale back.
“NIH-funded research has been the cornerstone of U.S. leadership in biomedical science, driving bold discoveries that improve patient care,” Alexander A. Khalessi, MD, chair of the AANS/CNS Washington Committee and lead coauthor of the letter, said in the release. “Advancing treatments for stroke, cancer, spinal cord injury, epilepsy, and dementia depends on a strong research ecosystem. A 15% cap on indirect cost rate undermines the foundation that sustains these innovations. We respectfully urge NIH to reconsider this approach and work collaboratively on a solution that ensures transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Tomorrow’s patients depend on our collective success.”
The other groups signing the letter are:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
American Academy of Dermatology Association
American Academy of Emergency Medicine
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine
American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
American College of Chest Physicians
American College of Emergency Physicians
American College of Gastroenterology
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
American College of Osteopathic Internists
American College of Rheumatology
American Gastroenterological Association
American Medical Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
American Society for Surgery of the Hand Professional Organization
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Dermatopathology
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
American Society of Pediatric Nephrology
American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Society of Transplant Surgeons
American Urogynecologic Society
Association for Clinical Oncology
Association of Academic Physiatrists
Association of Department of Family Medicine
Association of Women in Rheumatology
College of American Pathologists
Heart Failure Society of America
Infectious Diseases Society of America
North American Neuromodulation Society
North American Primary Care Research Group
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
North American Spine Society
Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association
Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
Society of Gynecologic Oncology
Society of Neurological Surgeons
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine
Society of Thoracic Surgeons