Jacquelyn Gill is a professor at the University of Maine, specializing in paleoecology and plant ecology. The views expressed here are her own and not those of the university.
Maine has always been a place of innovation. From shipbuilding to forestry and biomedical research, our state thrives on creativity and progress. Federal funding for science plays a huge role in this progress, driving job creation, education, and groundbreaking discoveries that help everyone in Maine. However, recent changes in research funding could threaten this growth. If these investments are paused or cut, it won’t just hinder scientists; it could harm the entire workforce, economy, and public health in our state.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are critical to American innovation. NIH funding supports vital medical research that can lead to breakthroughs, like new cancer treatments and vaccines. In Maine, scientists funded by the NIH are working on significant health challenges, including addiction and muscular diseases. These advancements not only save lives but also can lower healthcare costs.
In just 2023, NIH investments brought $116 million to Maine, funding 1,470 jobs and generating $262 million in economic activity. This kind of return on investment is essential for our state.
NSF funding is equally important. Since its establishment in 1950, the NSF has fostered technological progress and education, keeping America competitive globally. In Maine, NSF funds support the development of new manufacturing technologies, teacher training in rural areas, and improved farming practices for potato farmers. Currently, there are over $30 million in active NSF grants, creating numerous opportunities for businesses and communities across the state.
Federal funding for science translates directly into jobs. Over a third of Maine’s workforce is in STEM fields, including biopharmaceuticals and environmental science. The life sciences sector alone employed over 10,000 people in 2024 and is expected to keep growing. These jobs are high-paying and help maintain a strong economy in Maine.
The University of Maine, recognized as an R1 research institution in 2022, is a leader in STEM education and the largest recipient of federal research funding in the state. Federal grants allow students to gain practical experience in fields like biotechnology, engineering, and environmental science. These programs not only educate but also help retain talent, encouraging Maine’s brightest minds to stay and contribute as our future doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Many of these initiatives are supported by NIH and NSF funding.
Investing in science is both smart policy and good economics. These research funds are approved by Congress and are among the most accountable expenditures in the federal budget. Cutting or delaying this funding could jeopardize Maine’s economic future.
Maine’s representatives, like Rep. Jared Golden and Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, have always had our workforce’s best interests at heart. Now is the time for them to ensure that the scientific framework that supports our economy remains strong.
When science does well, Maine does well. Let’s work together to keep it thriving.
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