By Tony Hu, PhD
Tony Hu, PhD, is a distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering and Microbiology at Tulane University. He holds the Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Biotechnology Innovation and is the founding Director of the Center for Intelligent Molecular Diagnostics at Tulane School of Medicine. He also leads the Tulane Cancer Center’s Translational Oncology Research Program.
Read Hu’s explanation on the impact of funding cuts:
At Tulane University, we integrate nanotechnology with molecular diagnostics to transform disease detection and treatment. From highly sensitive tests for tuberculosis to those that can find traces of cancer as soon as it develops, our work improves patient outcomes and shapes the future of medicine. These breakthroughs can’t happen without federal support. We rely on critical funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which guarantees the continued operation of our research labs, technological resources and expert staff.
Proposed federal budget cuts could slash indirect cost reimbursements for NIH grants from 53% to 15%. These are not surplus funds but essential resources that sustain the infrastructure needed for medical innovation. Without them, our progress in early disease detection and precision medicine will be at risk.
One of our NIH-funded projects focuses on improving early detection of tuberculosis and HIV in young children by identifying specific blood biomarkers. A $3.7 million grant supports this work. We also received $3.1 million in NIH funding to develop blood-based cancer detection technologies and $1.5 million for state-of-the-art equipment that will improve our ability to analyze complex biological samples. These investments drive advancements in disease detection, cancer research and medical technology.
Molecular diagnostics and nanotechnology are revolutionizing healthcare. We are creating tools that find diseases earlier and with greater accuracy than ever before, leading to more effective treatment and better patient outcomes. But without sustained investment, lifesaving discoveries may stall.
“Our work is not just about publishing studies—it’s about creating real-world solutions to the most pressing health challenges. We have the technology and expertise to develop better diagnostic tools and treatments, but without proper funding, those solutions may never reach the people who need them most.”
The effects of these funding cuts extend beyond research labs. Tulane University is involved in over 1,600 ongoing clinical trials, offering patients access to transformative treatments that could significantly change the course of their diseases. A reduction in funding would hinder the progress of these essential medical breakthroughs, impacting patient care and diminishing Tulane's role in advancing biomedical research. Additionally, cutting research funding would have broader regional economic consequences, as scientific innovation plays a crucial role in creating jobs and promoting technological advancements that benefit the world.
Our mission extends beyond academic publications—we are committed to developing tangible solutions for urgent health crises. We possess the expertise and cutting-edge technology to revolutionize disease detection and treatment, but without adequate funding, these breakthroughs may never reach the patients who need them. Continued investment in research is critical to ensuring that medical innovation moves forward, not backward.
Scientific research isn’t just an academic pursuit—it’s vital to public health. Today’s discoveries will shape the future of medicine, influencing how diseases are diagnosed, treated and cured. Protecting NIH funding ensures a future where innovation thrives, lives are saved and healthcare continues to evolve for the better.
