BioMed X launches XBridge to aid researchers hit by NIH funding gaps
BioMed X, an independent biomedical research institute based in Heidelberg, Germany, has announced the launch of its XBridge Program, a fast-track initiative designed to support US-based biomedical researchers impacted by the current NIH funding gaps, hiring freezes, and grant terminations.
The programme offers a pathway for affected principal investigators in all fields of human disease research. The aim of the programme is to connect with potential new research sponsors from the pharmaceutical industry to continue their high-impact scientific research for the benefit of patients.
Responding to NIH funding gaps
In recent months, many US-based researchers have seen their NIH funding threatened or suspended due to political gridlock and budget constraints. These disruptions risk not only halting progress in critical fields like cancer research, neuroscience, and infectious disease research – but also displacing talented scientists and dissolving very successful research groups.
“The purpose of our new XBridge Program is to open a new door for researchers facing the abrupt loss of NIH support,” said Dr. Christian Tidona, Founder and Managing Director of BioMed X. “This is not a substitute for government funding – but it is a way to help scientists stay active and visible in the global research ecosystem, while we match them with new funding partners who may be willing to support their work. It is our responsibility as fellow scientists to help bridge the current gap in research funding in the United States and to enable vital scientific work to continue.”
How the XBridge Program works
The XBridge Program is not a new grant program by itself, and there is no funding guarantee. Instead, it offers a unique matchmaking process:
- Researchers can submit their existing NIH grant proposals through BioMed X’s global crowdsourcing platform Career Space
- All research projects focusing on exploration of human disease biology, identification of novel therapeutic targets, or development of new therapeutic concepts in any human disease area are in scope
- Applications will be reviewed by BioMed X’s network of pharma partners, who may choose to sponsor individual research projects. Selected applicants will be invited to a pitch day, where they can present their research proposals directly to a panel of potential research sponsors from the pharmaceutical industry
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