Advocacy for NIH Funding Intensifies as FY 2027 Budget Process Begins

As of the latest updates, Congress has not yet finalized a full-year spending bill for the fiscal year 2026 to finance the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This delay poses challenges for the NIH in granting funds, which directly affects the work of associated researchers and scientists. Concurrently, the Trump administration is expected to present its budget for fiscal year 2027 shortly, setting the stage for upcoming budget discussions. Given the critical nature of funding for both the current and the ensuing fiscal years, advocacy efforts for medical research have been amplified. The Endocrine Society is actively engaging its members to communicate to policymakers the importance of sustained NIH funding for scientists, patients, and the overall health of the nation.

Two significant actions have been initiated to influence budget negotiations for both FY 2026 and FY 2027.

Mobilizing the Medical Research Community In January, the Endocrine Society took a prominent role by leading a coalition letter directed at congressional leadership. This letter urged the completion of a full-year appropriations bill for FY 2026, advocating for an increase in NIH funding. It also called on Congress to safeguard the NIH against any external influence on their grant processes. Specifically, the letter requested that Congress prevent the administration from imposing arbitrary limitations on negotiated facilities and administrative cost rates. Additionally, it aimed to mitigate short-term impacts on grant success rates by maintaining the number of forward-funded grants at levels comparable to those of previous years. Over 100 organizations, encompassing research institutions, medical professionals, and patient advocacy groups, endorsed this letter, showcasing a unified front in support of the NIH and the leadership role played by the Endocrine Society within the community.

Engagement with Congressional Representatives On March 13, the Endocrine Society plans to host a virtual Hill Day, allowing member scientists to interact with their elected officials as the process for fiscal year 2027 funding commences. This engagement is timely as congressional offices begin identifying priority areas for funding for the upcoming year. Reflecting on 2025, the Society acknowledges the need for collective action to achieve advocacy goals. Although the Endocrine Society has organized a March Hill Day dedicated to research funding annually, this year they are enhancing their congressional outreach by conducting a virtual Researcher Hill Day. This format will expand participation and enable more members to attend meetings via Zoom.

During these meetings, participants will advocate for increased NIH funding and share narratives illustrating the impacts of endocrine research on their respective districts and states. For those interested in participating, the Society will provide a training session, essential materials, and will arrange the meetings.

Call to Action for All Members The Society emphasizes that success in advocacy requires engagement from all members. If you wish to be part of the March 13 Researcher Hill Day, you are encouraged to reach out via email to advocacy@endocrine.org, and a team member will follow up with additional information. Furthermore, all Endocrine Society members are urged to participate actively by sending letters to their representatives through the Society’s online advocacy campaign at www.endocrine.org/advocacy/take-action. These interactions—visits and written communications—can have substantial implications, making it a pivotal moment to influence Congress in favor of continued NIH support.