Protecting the Future of Medical Innovation

July 17, 2025

In an action led by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and other leading medical and scientific organizations joined an amicus brief to oppose the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) sudden reduction in indirect cost funding for medical research grants.

This unified legal action is in response to an NIH Grants Policy Statement that caps indirect cost reimbursements at 15%, a drastic departure from long-established, negotiated rates. If upheld, this change would significantly impact scientific research.

NIH-supported studies lead to enhanced understanding of disease progression and the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic pathways that save and improve lives. These studies further inform the clinical guidelines that clinicians rely on daily and are integral to the continuing evolution of effective care.

“This is not just a budgetary issue; it’s a call to action,” said CHEST President John Howington, MD, MBA, FCCP. “Disrupting NIH funding puts lives at risk and stalls scientific progress. We must advocate to ensure that the science guiding our clinical decisions remains timely and fully supported.”

Read the full brief.