New bill supports young researchers

The Senate health committee recommended a bill today that would improve opportunities for new researchers in the United States.

The “Next Generation Researchers Act” (S. 2014), sponsored by Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, was created to establish an initiative within the office of the director of the NIH to support and encourage new opportunities for young researchers as well as earlier research independence. These include training opportunities for those seeking careers in research, mentorship programs, efforts to provide diversity in the workforce and assistance for new researchers seeking funding renewals.

Tammy Baldwin

Susan Collins

During an executive session, several committee members argued for increased funding for top U.S. health agencies. Baldwin suggested S. 2014 was drafted as a direct result of insufficient federal funding for the NIH.

“Budget cuts and inadequate funding for the NIH over the past decade have not only put medical research at risk, but it’s had a devastating impact on our younger scientists,” she said, adding that the average age of researchers who receive their first NIH grant is 42 years.

“New researchers are increasingly choosing to pursue other careers” or to work in other countries with better funding opportunities, she said. “These are our best and brightest. These are incredible innovators that we need here in the U.S. to achieve breakthroughs.”

The initiative also will promote existing programs within the NIH, including the Pathway to Independence Award, the Early Independence Award, the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, and procedures to review Early-Stage Investigator grants.

Further, the bill would improve the NIH’s current loan repayment program to help research trainees burdened with student debt, which Collins described as one of its most important aspects.

Patty Murray

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the ranking Democrat on the committee, said developing the most effective treatments requires innovation and the support of young researchers.

“I’m pleased the legislation we’re voting on today includes measures to help maintain our country’s leadership in medical innovation by supporting the next generation of researchers,” she said.

The bill is one of seven considered today, and additional markups are scheduled in March and April.

“I am pleased with the progress we are making,” Collins said. “I believe that the bills we are considering at this markup and for the upcoming March 9 markup are important bills that will make a real difference to American families.”