Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins, toured Boise State University and discussed the important research being conducted on campus. Dr. Collins had the chance to meet with BSU faculty and students to discuss the future of biomedical research and the role NIH plays in helping institutions like Boise State advance lifesaving research.

“I am grateful that Dr. Collins took time out of his busy schedule to visit Boise,” said Congressman Simpson. “I always tell people NIH is the nation’s best kept secret. Many people don’t realize that more than 80 percent of their funding goes to universities and private institutions which then transforms into lifesaving biomedical research. Boise State has great potential to expand its research footprint and I am thankful Dr. Collins took time to visit with students and faculty to better understand their talent and capabilities. It is truly an honor to have a highly respected voice in the research community visit Idaho.”

“I’m gratified to see the taxpayer dollar hard at work producing biomedical innovations for the American people,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. “I’m grateful to Rep. Mike Simpson for arranging an opportunity for me to see the research efforts underway at Boise State University and the University of Idaho, and for giving me the chance to interact with the next generation of researchers.”

“Biomedical research is a high priority for Boise State University and the State of Idaho, and funding from the National Institutes of Health is a key element to ensuring success,” said Bob Kustra, president of Boise State University. “One prime example is in the work of Dr. Julia Oxford, who has established the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in matrix biology at Boise State with NIH funding. By empowering researchers, we have seen some incredible outcomes here on campus, including the development of new anti-cancer drugs. The Bimolecular Research Center is a highly collaborative research center, and our undergraduate and graduate students play a critical role.”

Congressman Simpson plays a key role in funding NIH through his seat on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. In fiscal year 2016 and 2017, the subcommittee increased NIH funding by $4 billion which will go directly to research initiatives that seek cures for Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other diseases.

“You will be hard-pressed to find a more worthy use of taxpayer dollars than research that is directly attributed to savings lives,” said Congressman Simpson. “I look forward to working with Dr. Collins to support NIH’s mission and the continued results which benefit all Americans.”