CUIMC Rallies on Capitol Hill for Research Funding

On September 19th, members of Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) community joined hundreds of advocates from across the nation to advocate for medical research. The annual Rally for Medical Research (RFMR) began in 2013 in response to threatened cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget. The inaugural rally was such a success that organizers decided to do it every year. CUIMC is a silver sponsor of the rally, and our investment is used to support and sustain the efforts of medical research advocates.

This year’s RFMR began with a training session for newer attendees to equip them with the tools and confidence to champion this important cause. The rally also hosted a Congressional reception where U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli addressed participants.

The Columbia contingent, which included: Kate Kijinski from ICAP, PHD student Nick Bulthuis, Tenzin Trinley from the School of Nursing, Jasmine Rename from Teachers College, and Ross Frommer, Vice President Government Affairs joined colleagues from across New York State and elsewhere to add their voices to push for an increase to NIH funding. Sudiksha Singh, Health Policy Manager at Associated Medical Schools of New York, and a Columbia MSPH class of 2022 alum, was also part of the New York delegation. Armed with personal stories about the impact of medical research on their careers and personal lives, the delegation met with Members and staff of the New York Congressional delegation to stress the importance of NIH funding.

Nick said, "I learned so much through this program — about how government works, about the ways I can advocate for science, and about the impact that medical research has on the lives of patients. You can see a society’s values in what it chooses to fund, and I enjoyed sharing the value of a healthier future directly to the leaders who make those decisions.

Jasmine added, “It was truly a great experience to be part of the Columbia group. As a first-generation Caribbean-American, it was amazing to meet so many people that are passionate about vouching for funding for medical research based on their personal anecdotes and passions for entering the medical field., I was proud of being heard and sharing my story as to why I rally for medical research.”

The challenge this year is especially daunting, and thus the importance of advocacy even greater. While the Senate would seek to increase NIH funding for FY 2025 by 4%, the House of Representatives has called for flat funding.

Congress has passed a continuing resolution and will resume deliberations on this and other important issues in November. CUIMC will continue to advocate for as high as number as possible for FY 2025 NIH funding.