Jeffrey Mugridge, a graduate of Liverpool secondary school, is an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry in a public American research university. The opinions and opinions expressed in this article are the own and not those of their employer.
Twenty years ago, I tin back chemicals and circuits and sensors after hours at the Liverpool High School. My classmates and I were preparing for the regional competition of the Olympiads of Sciences, and won or lose, we were having fun by resolving different STEM challenges with our limited scientific capacities and an even more limited budget. Having grown up in Syracuse, experiences such as the Olympiad of Sciences, travel at most, and great teachers of public schools have put me on the way to become a scientist.
Today, I am a professor of chemistry and biochemistry in an American research university, where I teach and direct a research laboratory by studying how enzymes work inside human cells and how we could repair them when they behave badly in diseases like cancer. Like so many other scientists, my journey from a curious high school to an independent researcher was fueled by the federal funding for the Research of the United States Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). But today, Serious discounts to budgets and NSF NSF staff Threatening to undermine the next generation of American scientists, to disrupt the discovery of new medical treatments and to paralyze the technological innovations that feed our economy – here in Syracuse and across the country.
For decades, NIH and NSF are the engines of fundamental science in America, stimulating discoveries that save lives and economic growth of power. The bipartite support for research funded by the federal government has made science the best in the world, generating new ideas and breakthroughs that lead to new treatments, businesses and jobs here in the United States
For example, research funded by NIH has discovered the direct link between the BRCA1 Mutation of genes and breast cancer, a breakthrough that has revolutionized the screening, detection and treatment of breast and ovary cancers, saving innumerable lives. NIH programs have also helped develop non -addictive pain drugs such as suzetrigineA new non -opioid medication has just approved by the FDA which can help stem the epidemic of opioids. Federal science financing also creates local jobs and economic investments – the NSF has fueled innovations in electronics and semiconductor technology that have laid the foundations The new chip manufacturing installation of $ 100 billion in micron In the center of New York. Throughout New York State, Nih And Nsf Funding reports billions of dollars, supports tens of thousands of jobs and stimulates the growth of local businesses. Nationally, each $ 1 research funded by NIH is estimated generate nearly $ 2.50 in economic activityMake scientific research one of the best investments that our country makes.
However, at a time when we should invest more in American science, recent federal actions have tried to Federal Finance Gélésir For scientific subsidies at the national level, made large cuts to the funds on which universities and researchers count to pay the costs of staff and facilities, and Break the examination and the allocation of any new subsidy request. In addition, on 1,000 employees at NIH And Nsf (5% to 10% of their workforce) were dismissed, including experienced researchers and administrators, with More layoffs Probably on the way.
These actions not only affect scientists; They ultimately harmed local communities like Syracuse, where research funded by the federal government supports jobs, health care and economic growth.
While many of these orders are faced with current legal challenges, if gels and cuts continue, thousands of research laboratories across the country could permanently close, critical clinical trials can be canceled, and promising scientific breakthroughs will never materialize and the people who need it. American research universities such as the University of Syracuse or the Suny State Medical University lose millions of dollars In the financing of research per year, the implementation of their ability to carry out revolutionary research, to train the next generation of scientists and health workers and to support local jobs. Damage to American sciences, economics and our world leadership in health care and technology could take decades to cancel.
Inverting these cuts and ensuring continuous access to advanced treatments, world class health care and solid technological workforce requires public support. Here’s how you can help:
1 and 1 Call your representatives. Tell them that investing in science is investing in jobs and that solid federal scientific financing is essential for the future of our country. Even if your local representatives already agree on this, it is important to hear voters directly.
2. Assist a gathering. Join events like the “Defend science“Rally in Albany to show your support.
3. Stay informed and pass the word. Share articles and tell friends about how American science leads to the growth of national and local economies and is too precious to move away.
Federal science financing is an investment in our health, our economy and our future – here in Syracuse and across the country. We cannot afford to let these national critical resources be eliminated.