Proposed FY2027 Budget Signals Cuts to Biomedical Research and Science Agencies

Late last week, the Administration released the FY 2027 President’s Budget Request, outlining proposed funding levels across federal science and technology agencies, including reductions affecting biomedical research, engineering, regulatory science, and standards agencies. It is important to keep in mind that these are proposals and require Congressional action. Fueled by advocacy from the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) and many others in the community, Congress has already demonstrated in FY2026 that it will push back on the deepest cuts.

AIMBE is actively monitoring these developments and generating targeted talking points and advocacy actions to support our Fellows and the broader AIMBE community. On April 13, AIMBE will host its largest Capitol Hill Day, with more than 120 advocates meeting with Congressional offices, a prime opportunity to speak out against these proposed cuts.

Key provisions related to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) include:

• Overall funding reduction of $5.75 billion (12%)
• 15% cap on indirect cost reimbursement
• Proposal to fully fund all research project grants upfront in FY2027
• Proposed elimination of:
  • National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  • Fogarty International Center
• Institute-level changes:
  

• Targeted investment areas:
  • Chronic disease research
  • Aging biomarkers
  • Real-world data platforms
  • Non-animal testing methods

 Other agency funding highlights: 

• National Science Foundation (NSF)
  • Proposed funding: $3.9 billion
  • Change: –$4.8 billion (–54.8%)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Proposed funding: $7.2 billion (+$232 million)
  • Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH): $1.005 billion (+$92 million)
  • Medical device user fees: $560 million (+$82 million)
  • Includes $5 million for non-animal testing methods
  • National Center for Toxicological Research proposed for transfer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
  • Proposed funding: $945 million
  • Change: –$555 million (–37%)
  • Maintained as a standalone entity within HHS
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • Proposed reduction: $993 million (–53%)

 Resources:

• President’s budget and appendices
• HHS Budget in Brief and individual agency budgets