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Research
Funding:
Until World War II (1939-1945), most money for medical research
in the United States was donated by wealthy individuals, industry,
and universities. Scientists resisted government funding because
they feared losing the intellectual freedom to study as they chose.
Since the 1940s, however, the Federal Government has taken a major
role in funding biomedical research.
The
National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, is the
biggest government source of research funds. NIH is an agency within
the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. In 2001, the
NIH planned to spend about $20.3 billion on biomedical research,
distributed to scientists in colleges and universities to conduct
specific research projects.
The
pharmaceutical industry spent about $26 billion on research in 2000.
The next largest source of funds is the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
(HHMI), which spends about $554 million annually. Other major funding
sources are private foundations and voluntary health organizations.
Private foundations are organizations established by wealthy individuals.
Among those active in biomedical research are the Charles A. Dana
Foundation, the Lucille P. Markey Foundation, and the Whittaker
Foundation. Voluntary health organizations are charities supported
by contributions from members and the public. Major voluntary health
organizations include the American Cancer Society, the American
Heart Association, and the American Diabetes Association.
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