Ross Frommer Testifies in Albany on Behalf of New York Fund for Innovation in Research and Scientific Talent (NYFIRST)
On January 30th, Ross Frommer, Vice President for Government & Community Affairs, testified before the New York State Legislature Joint Budget Hearing on Economic Development and the Arts. In his testimony, Ross argued in favor of including $25 million in the FY 24/24 state budget for the New York Fund for Innovation in Research and Scientific Talent (NYFIRST). NYFIRST provides grants to New York medical schools to help them recruit and retain top notch scientific talent who will not only conduct cutting edge research, but also bring in grants, philanthropy, venture capital funding and other support which will lead to job creation and increased economic development. Columbia has already used NYFIRST funding to help recruit Drs. Jordan Orange and Simon John and has several other grant applications in various stages of the funding process that will help recruit up to three new additional faculty. Watch his testimony below.