President Trump’s proposed budget for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2026 has caused quite a stir in the scientific community. The budget suggests a significant 43% cut in funding for the NIH’s core function of awarding grants to support research at universities, academic medical centers, and other institutions. This would amount to an $11.6 billion reduction, bringing the total budget down to $15.1 billion.
The impact of such a drastic cut would be felt across the board. The number of new grants awarded would decrease, putting a strain on ongoing research projects. At many of the NIH’s institutes and centers, the odds of securing new funding would plummet, making it much harder for researchers to continue their important work.
One of the most concerning aspects of the proposed budget is the decrease in support for the next generation of scientists. Funding for awards that support researcher training would be reduced by $359 million compared to 2025 levels, making it harder for young scientists to pursue their research goals.
Even the NIH’s own internal research would not be spared from the budget cuts. The proposed budget sets aside $3.6 billion for the agency’s internal work, which is $1.3 billion less than current levels. This could have a ripple effect on the agency’s ability to conduct important research and make groundbreaking discoveries.
Overall, the proposed budget cuts to the NIH are causing alarm among scientists and researchers who rely on NIH funding to support their work. The scientific community is urging policymakers to reconsider these cuts and prioritize funding for research that has the potential to improve public health and advance scientific knowledge.
