Seizing a Historic Opportunity
New York is making a defining choice. Governor Kathy Hochul’s $10 million expansion of the NYFIRST program signals an unwavering commitment to science as the foundation of our state’s future. This investment empowers medical schools to recruit world-class researchers, fostering a biotech ecosystem that generates jobs, fuels economic growth, and delivers transformative medical treatments. Why does this matter? Because our ability to innovate determines whether we thrive or fall behind.
Global competition in biotechnology is fierce. Other nations are pouring resources into life sciences, while some in the U.S. hesitate, questioning the role of public funding. New York’s response is clear: we choose progress. By prioritizing translational research, which turns lab discoveries into practical treatments, NYFIRST positions our state to lead the next wave of breakthroughs, from cancer therapies to rare disease cures.
Critics argue this spending burdens taxpayers, advocating for tax cuts or private-sector reliance instead. Their view overlooks a critical truth. Private companies often focus on profitable ventures, sidelining research into less lucrative but vital areas, like treatments for underserved communities. Public investment ensures these gaps are filled, benefiting everyone.
Since its 2018 launch, NYFIRST has proven its worth. It created over 160 jobs, attracted $25.7 million in federal grants, and secured $93.1 million in external funding. These results show that betting on science delivers. New York is building a legacy of innovation, and we must protect it.
Without this commitment, we risk losing talent and breakthroughs to other states or countries. Hochul’s expansion of NYFIRST is a refusal to let that happen. It’s a promise to lead, and it demands our support.
Translational Research Changes Lives
At the core of NYFIRST is translational research, the process of transforming lab discoveries into treatments that save lives. Recent breakthroughs, like mRNA vaccines or CRISPR therapies for sickle cell disease, show what’s possible when we invest in this work. These advances required public funding to move from theory to reality, and New York is now doubling down.
With NYFIRST grants, our medical schools are recruiting top researchers from around the world. The program’s new 12-month application window gives schools flexibility to attract the best talent, ensuring we build teams capable of sustained innovation. This effort goes beyond hiring—it’s about creating a hub for global scientific progress.
Some question why we prioritize researchers over immediate needs like hospitals or schools. The answer lies in the ripple effects. Translational research spawns biotech startups, employing hundreds in high-wage roles, from scientists to support staff. These jobs strengthen communities and drive economic stability.
Nationally, every dollar of government R&D spending generates $2.56 in economic activity. Since World War II, public funding has launched over 1,200 university spinouts, creating industries and jobs. New York’s $10 million investment is a catalyst for similar success, promising new companies and new hope for patients.
Building a Resilient Economy
New York’s strategy extends beyond science to economic transformation. Through NYFIRST and the $6 billion LifeSci NYC initiative, the state is creating innovation districts that rival global leaders like Massachusetts’s 128 Corridor. These hubs attract biotech firms, nurture startups, and train workers, driving employment growth exceeding 10 percent annually in top clusters.
Contrast this with calls to cut research budgets for tax breaks or short-term workforce programs. Such cuts threaten long-term prosperity. Economists warn that reducing R&D could shrink U.S. GDP by 0.8 percent, with deeper cuts risking economic decline. New York’s investment in science offers a smarter, sustainable path.
This approach also promotes fairness. Private firms often ignore rare diseases affecting marginalized groups, but NYFIRST-funded researchers can tackle these challenges, advancing health equity. Isn’t that the kind of economy we want—one that lifts everyone?
A Call to Lead
New York’s NYFIRST expansion is a model for the nation. Scaling such programs can secure U.S. leadership in biotech, create millions of jobs, and deliver life-saving treatments. Advocates urge increasing NYFIRST’s budget to $50 million annually and boosting national R&D to 1.5 percent of GDP. With 90 percent of Americans supporting research funding, these goals are within reach.
We cannot let calls for fiscal restraint undermine this vision. The choice is stark: invest in progress or lose ground to global competitors. New York is choosing to lead, and the nation must follow.
What can we do? Support leaders who champion science. Push for policies that prioritize innovation and equity. New York’s biotech surge is a spark—let’s fan it into a flame that shapes our future.