Endcorine Insider
February 5, 2010

(See Full Issue)

In an effort to undertake a fresh approach to advocacy for increased federal funding and galvanized by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) $10 billion award through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the scientific community joined together last year to create United for Medical Research (UMR).  This new coalition includes 20 of the nation’s most prominent research institutions, patient groups, health and science advocacy organizations, as well as biotech companies and other industry leaders.  The Endocrine Society is a founding member of UMR.

In conjunction with the one-year anniversary of ARRA, UMR released its first report in an effort to illustrate to policymakers the impact of NIH research on the economy and the health of the American people and to draw attention to the need for sustainable funding for the agency.  Investing in Recovery and Discovery , which documents the $10.5 billion infusion of ARRA funds in 2009 and 2010, highlights ARRA-funded projects and demonstrates the broad anticipated impact of the investment, including the tens of thousands of jobs saved or created, entire industries rejuvenated, and health care costs reduced. At a recent NIH budget briefing, NIH Director Francis Collins touted the UMR report as an example of how the scientific community can highlight the benefits of NIH’s ARRA funding to American and the public health.

UMR will continue to influence the debate through direct lobbying and outreach to thought leaders from the Administration, Capitol Hill, the media, and academia. The coalition is also focusing on developing new NIH champions on Capitol Hill and in the states. By actively participating in the coalition since its inception, The Endocrine Society has helped shape UMR’s messages and strategies, and the Society continues to participate in coalition activities as part of its overall efforts to ensure appropriate funding levels for NIH.