Protect the American research partnership
Congress is considering substantial cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) that will jeopardize America’s place as global leader in innovation.
You can help save science. Use your voice to help avoid these drastic cuts!
For over half a century America has led the world in path-breaking research, producing advances that save lives, enhance quality of life, and create high-quality jobs. That’s because since the end of World War II, an alliance between the federal government and higher education — and research institutes like Morgrdige — has fueled scientific discovery. More than 99 percent of all new drugs approved between 2010 and 2019, for example, were supported by NIH.
That progress is now at risk. Here’s how we fit in, why it matters, and what you can do.
Morgridge ‘fearless science’ advances health
We are dedicated to solving some of the biggest health challenges of our time. Success requires the very best scientists, a partnership with the NIH, and support from you, the society we serve. We’re working on:
Understanding and Treating Cancer
Morgridge scientists are designing new imaging tools that can diagnose cancer sooner and steer more precise treatments.
Fighting Heart Disease
Our scientists in regenerative biology work to grow healthy replacements for diseased arteries and help the heart repair damaged tissue after a heart attack.Reducing Preterm Birth
We are creating a better early warning system for risk of preterm birth — a condition that impacts one in 10 newborns in America.
Outsmarting Deadly Viruses
Virology researchers are looking for a revolutionary way to fight viruses with “broad-spectrum antivirals” that target entire classes of viruses.
Scientific discovery fuels economic growth
Advances in biomedical knowledge produce tens of thousands of quality, well-paying American jobs each year. According to United for Medical Progress, every dollar invested in biomedical research has led to $2.56 in economic activity. In Wisconsin, funding from NIH supports more than 6,700 jobs and $1.38 billion in economic activity.
We are proud to contribute to Wisconsin’s economic edge. Although relatively young (launched in 2007) and small (under 200 employees), Morgridge research has helped fuel new commercial ventures, including:
- FujiFilm Cellular Dynamics, which manufactures stem cell lines for use in healthcare and research;
- SHINE Technologies, which produces safer medical isotopes used in millions of life-saving therapies;
- Elephas, a new way to predict the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments for cancer;
- SeLight, a new technology that helps screen immune cells that are most fit for fighting cancer;
- OnLume Surgical, a system that enables fluorescence-guided surgery for more precise treatment.
Tracking proposed research cuts
The Morgridge Institute relies heavily on federal research support, primarily from the NIH. Grants from federal agencies already are highly competitive, with only about the top 20 percent of NIH proposals getting funded.
- In the first months of 2025, about 2,100 National Institutes of Health grants, totaling around $9.5 billion, have already been terminated.
- The Administration is proposing a 40 percent cut in core NIH research and a 57 percent topline cut to NSF in the next funding year.
- In addition, a 15 percent cap (down from a roughly 50% average) on facilities and administrative support for research will result in dramatically less support for the essential costs of conducting research.
These federal budget proposals would have profoundly negative effects on Morgridge and all research organizations, and would slow progress on key health priorities.
Protect federally funded research
The most effective way to be heard by Congress is to make phone calls to your elected representatives. We've provided sample scripts for you, below.
Contact Your Representatives
Put in your address at the link below to find your member of congress. Or you can use a tool like 5 Calls to find your representatives.
Sample phone script
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].
I’m calling to urge [REP/SEN NAME] to oppose the recent devastating cuts to NIH funding and staffing. These cuts are already disrupting crucial research to treat diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimers. Hurting the NIH hurts everyone, and unelected bureaucrats cannot be permitted to endanger the science that drives cures for diseases.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sample email Language
Federal cuts to higher-education institutions endanger research, education, health, and our economy by limiting opportunities for innovation and growth.
I am a proud supporter of the Morgridge Institute for Research and research institutes across our nation. The federal government and our nation's leading research institutions have worked together for generations to improve our health and our economy. We need to maintain that partnership for future generations.
Cuts in research funding impact every congressional district in the nation. Let's work together to preserve investments in our nation's future by opposing these counterproductive reductions.
When you invest in scientists and in research, you are investing in America's future.
Give to support research
Support for curiosity-driven research is more important now than ever. Give now to join us in improving human health. Your generosity makes a difference!
