The ongoing push from various chambers of commerce to secure federal research funding reflects a mounting concern about the impacts of funding cuts under the current administration. Jim Rooney, leading the Business for Research Funding Coalition from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes a broad coalition approach with nearly 90 groups from over 40 states, advocating for the importance of federal grants beyond just scientific communities.
In September, Rooney and representatives from 25 coalition member organizations engaged with congressional staff and officials at the National Institutes of Health, marking their second major lobbying effort since the spring of 2025. This initiative aims to frame the conversation around research funding as crucial not only to academia but also to sectors like construction and manufacturing.
Rooney has noted a shift in perception, indicating that the business sector’s call for research funding is becoming more compelling than traditional arguments from universities, which are increasingly viewed as self-serving. He highlighted the importance of including representatives from Red States to avoid the narrative that stemmed solely from Democratic strongholds.
Overall, Rooney expresses optimism for bipartisan support for research funding in the current year.
