Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health’s 2023 Health Impact Report.

2023 was a year when science sparked alliance, allowing us to further our goal of building bridges to biomedical breakthroughs – and better health for people everywhere.

The FNIH is a globally respected pioneer in creating powerful public-private partnerships made up of some of the world’s brightest minds and most effective biomedical entities. We devote every day to finding the answers that will speed the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and even cures.

Our goals are simple: accelerating science and improving lives. That’s why we increased the size of our team this past year and launched several new programs. We will continue to grow as we work to solve some of the world’s most complex health challenges.

Our Congressional purpose is “to support the National Institutes of Health in its mission” and “to advance collaboration with biomedical researchers from universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations.” In every initiative, we put patients first, from striving for equity in clinical trials to listening to those whose lived experience and advice can most positively impact outcomes. We are working to improve the quality of patients’ lives, regardless of who they are, where they live, or what disease they have. We do all of this to support the mission and programs of the National Institutes of Health and improve outcomes for all people.

With all of our projects, the pathway from initial planning discussions to a tangible health impact that directly affects patients is dotted with meaningful milestones. Whether it’s the funding of a new project, the launch of a project’s design phase, managing ethics and conflicts of interest, or presentation of new data at a scientific meeting, each step along this pathway to impact moves us closer to our ultimate goal of getting new treatments to patients faster. In this report, we share some highlights of this journey from 2023.

On behalf of our board chairman, Dr. Steve Paul, the rest of the FNIH board, and the entire FNIH staff, I thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

Together, we will create a healthier world.

Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH
CEO and President