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Thank you to Sinem Esengen, PhD Candidate at the Ohio State University for this recap. (Find Sinem on PAA Engage, X or Bluesky)

During the plenary session, “NIH and the Future of Population Research: A Conversation with the NIH Director,” Jay Bhattacharya addressed questions gathered from Population Association of America members about the future direction of NIH research funding—especially in light of the past year’s discussions surrounding grant cancellations, reinstatements, and media attention on flagged keywords. Dr. Will Dow from the University of California- Berkeley moderated the conversation and guided questions submitted by PAA members.

Dr. Bhattacharya emphasized three major concerns shaping his vision for the NIH (1) the replication crisis, (2) scientific stagnation, and (3) proliferation of research funding in the top 20 institutions. On replication, he noted that data sharing and replication studies remain limited and stated that the NIH will provide incentives to encourage replication research. Regarding scientific stagnation, he argued that while many studies are methodologically rigorous, fewer are testing new or innovative ideas. He emphasized his interest in supporting more innovative research agendas. Finally, he highlighted issues with funding distribution, noting that roughly one-third of NIH grants go to the top 20 institutions, and that he was considering expanding funding opportunities for researchers across a wider range of institutions.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Bhattacharya consistently returned to what he described as the standard for fundable research: projects should be (1) actionable, (2) rigorous (with an emphasis on causal rather than correlational evidence), and (3) within the NIH’s scope.

In his responses, the major emphasis was on “making Americans’ lives better.” When Dr. Dow raised questions about research on health disparities and minority populations, Dr. Bhattacharya referred to flatlining longevity of Americans in the past 10 years and Hispanics better longevity relative to non-Hispanic whites and responded by stating that he supports health disparities research when it has the potential to improve the lives of all Americans. Similarly, when discussing international research, he reiterated that it should have benefits to improving Americans lives. 

Overall, Dr. Dow did an excellent job keeping the discussion focused on the concerns raised by PAA members, while Dr. Bhattacharya emphasized the three elements shaping his vision for fundable grants: innovative, rigorous, and actionable research. The audience seemed to have left with disappointment in Dr. Bhattacharya’s responses but appreciative of the PAA organizers for their effort in arranging this conversation with the NIH director.

See the full recording on YouTube