Study Maps Economic Fallout of NIH Cuts in Georgia
The Science & Community Impacts Mapping Project (SCIMaP) shows how proposed federal funding cuts lead to reduced economic activity and job losses nationwide.
Georgia faces severe economic consequences as the Trump administration plans significant cuts to indirect funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). According to the Science & Community Impacts Mapping Project, Georgia stands to lose approximately $327 million in funding and 1,414 jobs, with effects rippling through communities across the state.
Georgia's projected $327 million loss is part of a broader national impact. According to the project's findings, nearly half of all U.S. counties will experience economic losses of at least $250,000, with more than 500 counties losing over $6.25 million in funding.
Ripple Effects on Innovation and Healthcare
Beyond immediate economic losses, the cuts threaten Georgia's position in biomedical innovation. The state has historically leveraged NIH funding to:
- Develop groundbreaking medical treatments
- Establish biotechnology startups
- Train the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers
- Address critical public health challenges
The proposed cuts would affect not only our state's major research universities but also regional institutions and the communities they support throughout the state. For communities already facing economic challenges, the loss of research-related economic activity could exacerbate existing problems.
Looking Forward
The Science & Community Impacts Mapping Project provides a sobering look at what's at stake for Georgia's communities when research funding diminishes, highlighting how federal research investment creates economic value far beyond laboratory walls.
Georgia Life Sciences Selects Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy Student as the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Winner Sandy Springs & Rockmart Teens Take Top Honors in Statewide Science Competition Atlanta, GA (April 4, 2025) – Georgia Life Sciences today named Bhavya Alapati , a junior at Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy, as the winner of the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge, the premier competition for high school students that recognizes outstanding research and innovation in the biotechnology field. Eleven students from across Georgia competed for this year’s title and cash prize. Bhavya’s project investigated a novel method of identifying strokes using a device she created called SpectroStroke, a small-scale spectrophotometer, to detect homocysteine, an amino acid product that is associated with stroke. Bhavya identified the ability of homocysteine to be detected using Ellman’s reagent, which reacts with the free sulfhydryl group on the molecule to produce a yellow color. Bhavya created a wearable patch that contains the Ellman’s reagent. Then, she designed the SpectroStroke to be able to detect the color change when the patch is exposed to elevated levels of homocysteine. Bhavya’s SpectroStroke can detect normal levels of homocysteine up to extremely high levels seen in those experiencing a stroke. The ability to detect a stroke earlier would reduce damage and long-term effects of the condition. A future iteration of the SpectroStroke would include real-time monitoring capabilities to help track changing homocysteine levels. "Supporting and celebrating outstanding research and innovation in biotechnology is vital for the future of science and medicine. The Georgia BioGENEius Challenge not only encourages the brightest young minds to explore their potential but also nurtures the next generation of leaders who will drive groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology,” said Georgia Life Sciences President and CEO Maria Thacker-Goethe. “By recognizing and empowering these students, we are helping to shape a future where innovation thrives and the possibilities for improving lives are endless. Well done, Bhavya!” Georgia Life Sciences also congratulates the Georgia BioGENEius runner-up, Shelby Kendrick , who is a senior at Paulding County High School in Dallas, GA. Shelby’s research investigated the ability of Aspergillus terreus, a fungus found in soil, to degrade pre-treated polypropylene plastic (PP). This fungus has been discovered to produce high concentrations of degrading enzymes and raises the moisture level of its substrate. Shelby isolated the fungus from soil samples and confirmed the species using PCR amplification and DNA barcoding. Samples of polypropylene were pre-treated with 75% ethanol and UV exposure, then placed in a liquid culture of A. terreus in Minimal Salt Medium (MSM) media, and the culture was incubated for 23 days. At the end of the trial period, PP samples were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. These samples showed changes in their surface layer, indicating evidence of biodegradation. Polypropylene plastic is found in household items such as plastic cups and is a known problem in the environment due to its inability to degrade. Shelby’s future research on the use of A. terreus for biodegradation includes optimizing degradation conditions and assessing methods of application in the environment. Judging the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge were Ralph L. Cordell, CDC, and Alex Harvey, ViaMune. Cash prizes were awarded to Bhavya and Shelby. # # # About Georgia Life Sciences Georgia Life Sciences, founded in 1989, is a non-profit, membership-based organization that promotes the interests and growth of the life sciences industry. It is the state’s largest and most influential life sciences advocacy and business leadership organization working to improve access to innovative discoveries that have lifesaving impact. The association connects business, academia, government, and other allied entities involved in the application of life sciences products to fuel growth and collaboration through policy development, community programs, national industry initiatives, and a portfolio of educational and networking events. Learn more at galifesciences.org.
Georgia Life Sciences Association Statement on the Release of the NSCEB Final Report and Action Plan
Emerging biotechnology is key for U.S. to remain dominant and secure future economic growth in a new era of global competition
Updates: Since this statement was made, the administration announced, April 9, a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs. See the AdvaMed CEO statement on this change. GLS aligns with this statement. April 3, 2025 The recent U.S. tariff announcement has sent ripples through the life sciences, biotech, and MedTech industries, raising concerns about its potential impact on innovation, manufacturing, and global supply chains. While some sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, have been temporarily exempt from these new tariffs, the uncertainty surrounding future trade policies remains a significant challenge for our industry. These tariffs—set to take effect on April 5—include a base 10% tariff on all countries, with reciprocal tariffs reaching up to 50% on certain nations. There are growing concerns that these measures could increase costs for life-saving medical technologies, disrupt supply chains, and hinder job growth. Additionally, the agricultural biotech sector will likely be affected immediately, particularly with higher tariffs on non-USMCA-compliant goods. Pharmaceuticals, while currently exempt, may face their own tariffs in the near future, pending a potential Section 232 investigation into pharmaceutical manufacturing and national security. Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem thrives on innovation, investment, and global collaboration. Our industry depends on stable, predictable trade policies that support growth, not policies that introduce uncertainty and additional financial burdens. We must ensure that trade policies protect patients, support manufacturers, and sustain the broader biotech and MedTech economy. Georgia Life Sciences will continue to monitor these developments in partnership with our national associations and work closely with our members and policymakers to ensure our industry’s voice is heard. We encourage our community to stay engaged and share any concerns about how these tariffs may impact your businesses, workforce, and supply chains. For questions or to provide input on how these policies affect your organization, please reach out to our team.
