National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya visited Penn Medicine alongside Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) on Tuesday to discuss the future of federal research investments.
Throughout the day-long visit, which followed a similar event in Pittsburgh, McCormick and Bhattacharya spoke with patients, clinicians, and researchers at Penn Med. The tour aimed to highlight “how NIH-supported research is driving medical progress,” according to a press release.
Bhattacharya and McCormick discussed the importance of “early federal research investment,” despite over a year of uncertainty surrounding Penn’s federal funding and the Trump administration’s anticipated proposal to cut NIH funding by 20%.
Requests for comment were left with McCormick’s office and a spokesperson for Penn Med.
While at the University, Bhattacharya and McCormick spoke to professor of medicine Carl June, recognized for his work in CAR-T cell therapy. Bhattacharya referenced June’s research as an example of how NIH funding can help propel impactful research forward.
“Not long ago, that work struggled to secure funding, and today, it’s one of the most important advances in cancer treatment,” Bhattacharya wrote in the press release.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Bhattacharya also spoke to recently terminated grants, stating that projects lost funding because of a “politically divisive” background. However, he highlighted that “the likelihood of NIH funding declining is not high,” despite slowed grant approval processes.
“Like Penn’s tightly integrated campus, what sets Philadelphia’s eds and meds apart is our critical mass of expertise and pioneering research — all nearby, in sync, and of service to all Pennsylvanians,” Penn President Larry Jameson wrote. “We were honored to welcome Senator McCormick and Dr. Bhattacharya and showcase how our historic partnerships continue advancing our Commonwealth and country, while also discussing innovative ways to drive progress for the future.”
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On Feb. 7, 2025, the National Institutes of Health announced a 15% funding cut that jeopardized $240 million in federal funding for Penn, a move which Jameson called “serious” with “significant implications for Penn research programs.” Three days later, Penn joined 12 other universities nationwide in filing a lawsuit, which resulted in a judge temporarily halting the cut.
Three University project grants had their funding reinstated that summer following appeals and a June 2025 federal court order.
“At Penn, researchers are translating cutting-edge science into real treatments that are saving lives and giving families hope,” McCormick said.
The tour also included a roundtable discussion with regional partners centered on the role of federal research partnerships in biomedical innovation.
