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NIH Nominee Defends Trump’s Funding Cuts and Outlines Vision for Future Research

NIH Nominee Defends Trump’s Funding Cuts and Outlines Vision for Future Research

During his confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), defended the administration’s controversial decision to impose a 15 percent cap on indirect research costs funded by the agency. Bhattacharya, a physician and Stanford University professor, focused on clarifying his stance regarding research funding amidst significant scrutiny.

Although Bhattacharya did not explicitly reject the cuts, he emphasized his commitment to adhering to existing laws. He stated that if confirmed, his actions would prioritize understanding the implications of these funding reductions. “My goal is to ensure that every NIH researcher focused on advancing American health outcomes receives the resources they need to succeed,” he asserted.

A New Vision for Research

Bhattacharya introduced a new strategy for NIH research, envisioning a decentralized approach that embraces a diverse array of ideas and fosters transparency. He expressed a commitment to refocusing the agency’s research agenda, prioritizing projects that offer substantial benefits to public health rather than those perceived as