This Odd Lots podcast episode discusses the impact of the new Trump administration's cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget. The hosts interview Carole LaBonne, a professor of molecular biosciences, who details the consequences of capping indirect costs and freezing grant programs, including potential layoffs and a chilling effect on the next generation of scientists. LaBonne explains the complex process of obtaining NIH grants and the crucial role of indirect costs in supporting research. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of NIH funding, university research, and the private sector in driving scientific advancements and economic growth, emphasizing the potential long-term damage of drastic budget cuts. A concrete example provided is the impact of indirect cost caps on pediatric cancer research, where funding could decrease by 15-20%.
