FASEB praises President Obama for increasing funding for research in his FY 2012 budget

Bethesda, MD – William T. Talman, MD, President of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), praised President Barack Obama for his continuing support for science and engineering. “The President recognizes that our future depends on research,” Talman stated. In a letter to President Obama, Talman noted that his “support for this critical investment — even during a time of unprecedented budgetary constraints — will help to improve the lives of millions of people.”

In his FY 2012 Budget, President Obama proposed a $745 million increase over the FY 2010 actual level for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and an $894 million increase for the National Science Foundation (NSF). Noting that research funding for the current fiscal year is under attack, and the outcome uncertain, Talman called on Congress to keep funding for science and engineering research a national priority. “Delayed budgets, prolonged uncertainty, and lack of predictable, sustained investments are harmful to our long-term progress,” Talman noted. “The President’s budgets for NIH and NSF are a significant step in the right direction. It will be up to our community to continue the advocacy for the level of investment that the American people need.”

FASEB is composed of 23 societies with more than 100,000 members, making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations in the United States. FASEB enhances the ability of scientists and engineers to improve — through their research — the health, well-being and productivity of all people. Our mission is to advance health and welfare by promoting progress and education in biological and biomedical sciences through service to our member societies and collaborative advocacy.