Research into Developmental and Behavioral Conditions Fact Sheet

Why is research funding important?

  • Research funding is required so that researchers have the time and resources to conduct high-quality research.  
  • Research grants are awarded through a competitive process to the institutions where the researcher works. 
  • There are strict rules so that the funds are only used to support the costs necessary to conduct the project.  

Why are the National Institutes of Health important?

  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) are the largest funders of biomedical research in the world.  
  • Large-scale research is needed to continue to improve our ability to diagnose and treat developmental and behavioral conditions.  
  • Private institutions and other research funders also provide grants, often focused on specific types of projects with small award amounts.  
  • NIH has funded some of the most important studies to benefit children with neurodevelopmental disorders. 
  • NIH funding is needed to support the large-scale, multi-site studies that are likely to have the greatest impact. 

Potential impacts of funding cuts at the NIH:

  • Funding cuts would delay or prevent research to improve our understanding of the causes of and treatments for children with developmental and behavioral conditions.  
  • Loss of large-scale research means fewer opportunities for research training, resulting in a loss of future researchers, potentially impacting the nation’s research for years to come. 

Sources & Additional Resources

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