Turbulent Times in Research Funding: ASE’s Response to the Challenge

November-December 2025 Echo magazine article

This December 2025 President’s Message addresses the growing threat of federal research funding cuts to the field of cardiovascular imaging. With an estimated $4 billion trimmed from NIH and NSF grants, proposed 40% NIH budget reductions, and policy changes affecting international co-investigators, echocardiography research programs are feeling significant strain. In response, ASE is doubling down on its own support mechanisms including early career grants like the EDGES award and the Pamela Douglas Research Scholar Award, travel grants, collaborative research initiatives, and global health outreach while multiple internal committees work to sustain scientific rigor and innovation. The message, authored by Drs. Jonathan Lindner and Monica Mukherjee, acknowledges that ASE cannot fully replace federal funding, but reaffirms the Society’s commitment to supporting the next generation of imaging scientists and advancing patient care.