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Critical Resources
Building Critical Resources for Health and Economic Gain
Funding state-of-the-art buildings and equipment to enable research advances and create new jobs.
BY LAURA BONETTA
State-of-the-art research facilities that encourage interaction and collaboration among scientists; cutting-edge instruments that enable breakthrough discoveries; powerful computers and programs that process and store massive amounts of data; highly skilled scientists, technicians and students — these are key ingredients for a thriving research environment.
Establishing this critical infrastructure not only advances science and medicine but also spurs economic growth. Investments in research create new positions for scientists and support staff, advance discoveries, and promote education in science and medicine, all of which lead to better health and a more productive workforce. Construction of research buildings requires many workers, from architects and builders to facility and technical staff. Jobs in engineering, manufacturing and sales result from the purchase of laboratory equipment and reagents.
The far-reaching economic impact of investments in research is one reason the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 provides $10.4 billion to NIH in two years. NCRR will administer more than $1.6 billion in ARRA grants in several areas, including $1 billion for construction, repair and renovation of research facilities; $300 million for shared instrumentation and other equipment; and up to $310 million in support of biomedical research priorities. Read more about NCRR's ARRA awards.
Some NCRR ARRA-funded grants already have been awarded; their impact on job creation, economic growth, and advances in science and medicine will become clear in the months and years ahead. For now, past examples from institutions that received similar grants provide a look at what the future may hold.
