Scientists aren’t the only people who benefit from science; Arizonans do, too

Scientific research is at risk in America. Historically, the federal government has provided funding to universities and scientists across the nation, and the American people have reaped the resulting benefits. Arizona has directly benefited from federal funding that produced medications for Valley fever and heat stroke, advanced research on environmental challenges like drought and record-breaking heat, and led to the creation of central air conditioning, to name a few examples.

These developments have saved millions of lives across the state. Without continued federal funding, science — and the health and safety of millions of Americans — is at risk. 

According to the Federation of American Scientists for Experimental Biology, last year Arizona received nearly $700 million for research in biomedical, physical, nutritional and agricultural sciences and training for early career scientists.

Unfortunately, federal grants funding scientific research have already been terminated, resulting in an immense loss of funds. The University of Arizona has already lost nearly $5 million and Arizona State University, a further $1.2 million. Hospitals will also be impacted — Mayo Clinic has reported losses of $0.8 million and regional health system Banner Health will face cuts of over $3.8 million.

This year, Arizonans are projected to lose $29 million in scientific funding, and may lose an additional $134 million in coming years, according to the Science & Community Impacts Mapping Project, an online database founded by researchers at top universities to track current and predicted economic losses from federal research cuts.

Overall, Maricopa County is projected to lose $59 million and 254 jobs annually.

Scientific funding doesn’t just advance science, it also advances the U.S economy. According to the National Institute of Health, for every dollar invested in scientific research, the U.S economy gains $2.56 in return. Despite the economic return for scientific investment, the current funding bill, HR1 — the One Big Beautiful Act — threatens to slash even more scientific funding, cutting biomedical research by 40%.

While the bill has passed the House of Representatives, it has yet to pass the Senate. This means we still have time to fight for science — among other social programs, and federal funding impacted by HR1 — but time is running out unless we act now. Here is what you can do: 

Call our senators: We elect politicians into positions of power, which means they work for us. You can call Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly (202-224-2235) and Ruben Gallego (202-224-4521) and voice your concerns about this bill and the threat to scientific funding.

Science is not political, nor does it pick sides. Science serves the American people, advances health care and supports the economy. I am an early career scientist who fell in love with scientific research at a local high school. Now, I am an incoming Ph.D. student. Without federal funding, I would not be able to pursue my dreams of being a scientist —something that local Arizona teachers inspired me to believe was possible.

If HR1 passes, the next generation of bright, impactful and innovative Arizona students may not be able to follow their dreams as I have. I urge the local community to support its fellow scientists and take action by contacting our Arizona senators.

Editor’s note: This writer is using a pen name. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.