Public Health Research Funding: Agencies, Budgeting, and Challenges

Why is financing important for research?

Research needs financing to support various projects and initiatives.

What is a challenge regarding public health research funding?

Public health research is not always a government priority, with healthcare spending often taking precedence.

What is an example of a visible result from healthcare spending?

Medical care produces visible results, such as treating patients, unlike prevention efforts.

Name an international funding agency for public health research.

Examples include the Pan American Health Organization and the European Commission.

What role does the WHO play in public health research funding?

The WHO manages funding from multiple governments and voluntary organizations to support health research.

What is one goal of WHO's research support?

To build capacity to strengthen health research systems in middle- and low-income countries.

What is federal research funding dependent on?

It is dependent on the annual federal budget, which must be approved by Congress and the President.

What are some federal agencies that fund public health research?

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

How many institutes and centers does the NIH consist of?

The NIH is made up of 27 institutes and centers.

What was the NIH funding amount in 2019?

The NIH funded approximately $39 billion in 2019.

What is the role of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in public health research?

The HHS oversees agencies that are likely sources of public health research funding.

What is the purpose of the CDC in public health research?

The CDC implements programs and conducts research to inform practice and improve population health.

What was the CDC's funding amount in 2019?

The CDC had $6.5 billion allocated for programming and research in 2019.

How can federal funds be allocated to state and local governments?

Federal funds can be allocated to states and then distributed within state regions or cities.

What is a characteristic of nonprofit organizations in public health research?

Nonprofit organizations must meet specific conditions to be exempt from paying federal income tax.

What is the role of foundations in public health research funding?

Foundations donate funds to other programs, often affiliated with corporations, but typically provide smaller amounts than federal agencies.

What is included in developing a research budget?

A research budget outlines costs and financial plans for project-related expenses.

What are direct costs in a research budget?

Direct costs are expenses directly related to the project, such as salaries of key personnel.

What are indirect costs in a research budget?

Indirect costs are overhead expenses, often negotiated between universities and federal agencies.

What should be included in the personnel section of a research budget?

The personnel section should include the principal investigator, co-investigators, project managers, staff, and research assistants.

What is the purpose of a budget justification?

A budget justification explains why specific amounts are needed and describes the responsibilities of key personnel.

Why are timelines important in research budgeting?

Timelines guide budget planning and help keep the project on track.

What is a conclusion regarding public health funding mechanisms?

There are various mechanisms for public health funding, and careful budget planning is essential for research implementation.