This commentary is by Kalev Freeman of Duxbury. He is an associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine and an emergency physician at the University of Vermont Medical Center.I’m writing today because I’m deeply concerned about recent attack s on science funding — especially the drastic cuts to the National Institutes of Health. I’ve dedicated my career to research in emergency medicine that is improving the care of trauma patients in rural areas like Vermont. I work with other scientists and doctors to develop better diagnostic tests, optimize blood transfusion protocols, and discover new drugs that decrease inflammation and abnormal blood clotting in severely injured patients.These medical advances are especially important for members of our community injured in remote locations requiring long transport times to access emergency care. All this research is possible because of funding from the National Institutes of Health. Our work to help improve the lives of Vermonters depends on this funding and without it, Vermonters will suffer. What people may not realize is that medical research not only improves health, but also brings federal dollars into the state that create good jobs with benefits. For example, one of our research studies was recently awarded a $12 million grant, including about $1.4 million for my team at the University of Vermont, to study the life-saving potential of plasma transfusions in severe trauma. Almost all of these dollars go to salaries, including those of the custodians, technicians, nurses and staff who form the backbone of our university. These grants also provide opportunities for the next generation of doctors and scientists who are eager to engage in cutting-edge research. Students and trainees in our labs learn how to think critically and do science, while advancing their own careers.Over the past two months, we have witnessed an unprecedented attack on science, including cuts to federal research contracts and training grants, termination of National Institutes of Health staff, and a general breakdown in the process for dispersing new funds. If unchecked, these actions will wipe out an entire generation of trainees, compromise our scientific progress, and knock the USA out of the lead position in science and technology that we have enjoyed for decades.Gutting the National Institutes of Health will certainly not help our budget deficit, as the total funding for the institution is less than 1% of total federal spending. As Congress prepares FY2026 appropriations, it is critical that we stand up for science and support funding the National Institutes of Health and other key science agencies. We need continued investments in research to make Vermonters healthier, uplift our institutions of higher education and create good jobs for hardworking Vermonters.Read the story on VTDigger here: Kalev Freeman: Stand up for science. ...read more read less