## Minnesota’s Scientific Future Under Threat: A Call to Action
Minnesota boasts a rich legacy of scientific innovation and education, evident in the success of companies like 3M and Medtronic, and institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. These entities have been cornerstones of the state’s economy, providing high-quality jobs, education, and healthcare. However, this vital ecosystem is now facing a serious threat.
The recent actions of the Trump administration, including a hard pause on National Institutes of Health (NIH) operations, represent a significant blow to scientific progress nationwide, and particularly in Minnesota. Grant reviews were abruptly halted, jeopardizing ongoing biomedical research. The suspension of communications and website shutdowns from the NIH, National Science Foundation (NSF), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further exacerbate the situation, posing a potential risk to public health during a critical time.
This inaction demands immediate attention from Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota’s congressional delegation, and state lawmakers. Failure to act decisively will result in more than just lost grant funding; it will lead to job losses and negatively impact businesses across the state. The economic consequences are far-reaching, affecting not only researchers and institutions but also the broader community.
The potential ramifications extend beyond immediate financial losses. A defunding of scientific research will place the United States behind Asia and Europe in biomedical research, potentially ushering in a “Dark Age” of science that even venture capital cannot easily counteract. In 2023 alone, Minnesota universities, hospitals, and businesses received approximately $718 million from the NIH, fueling critical research and development. This funding supports not just salaries but also essential university infrastructure through indirect cost reimbursements. For the University of Minnesota, this indirect cost rate was 55% in 2024, meaning a $1 million grant generates an additional $550,000 for the university.
Economic analyses show that every dollar of NIH funding generates $2.46 in economic activity. This investment fosters innovation, leading to breakthroughs like cellphone touchscreens, MRIs, and weather radar. The funding directly supports Minnesotans who live, work, and contribute to their local economies. Cutting off the $718 million in NIH funding, which translates to approximately $1.7 billion in economic activity, will have devastating consequences.
The impact extends beyond funding for research. Reductions in indirect costs to universities will likely necessitate tuition increases, burdening students. The Mayo Clinic, the state’s largest private employer, received $278 million in NIH funds in 2024. This funding is crucial to maintaining its position as a world-leading healthcare system providing life-changing therapies to Minnesotans.
In conclusion, federal research dollars are essential for economic development, job creation, and supporting public institutions in Minnesota. Our state and national leaders must urgently demand the full functioning and funding of the NIH, NSF, and other public health agencies. Failure to act will have severe and lasting consequences for all Minnesotans.
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*by Matt Beckman, Minnesota Reformer, January 28, 2025*
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*Matt Beckman has a doctorate in neurobiology and is a researcher and professor at a local university. The views expressed are solely his own.*
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