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Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Has the National Institutes of Health distributed $5 billion less in grants in 2025?

Sreejita Patra / Wisconsin Watch, Wisconsin Watch

yes

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded almost $5 billion less in research grants to U.S. institutions in the 2025 fiscal year than the year prior, a 13.6% reduction, according to an Association of American Medical Colleges report released in August. 

The NIH committed $30 billion for research from July 2024 through June 2025, down from the $34.7 billion it obligated from July 2023 to June 2024. More than $3.5 billion of that funding difference was specifically in medical research and development while another half-billion was lost in career training for scientists.

Wisconsin’s share dropped by $84.4 million, or about 14%.

Disruptions in NIH research support have caused most states to lose tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars. They have also halted multiple clinical trials and research projects, including studies on post-tuberculosis lung disease and reducing infectious diseases spread by water.

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