U.S. Research Funding Continues to Flatten as U.S. Health Costs Climb - in August ...( a leveling out of public funding h...),Health

a leveling out of public funding has in the past led to a leveling out

of private funding.

-- Health research funded by universities, independent research

institutes, voluntary health associations, foundations and state and

local governments combined remained nearly flat between 2005 and 2006,

at $13.7 billion in 2006 and almost $13 billion in 2005.

"With an aging generation of baby boomers, new health challenges linked to globalization, and an obesity epidemic, we cannot afford to let this trend continue," said Mary Woolley, president of Research!America. "Americans see science as important to our health, competitiveness, education system, and standard of living -- our nation's leaders need to fund research accordingly."

The report was compiled by Stacie Propst, PhD, senior director of science policy, and Emily Connelly, manager of science policy, for Research!America.

Research!America is the nation's largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance working to make research to improve health a higher national priority. Founded in 1989, it is supported by more than 500 member organizations, which represent more than 125 million Americans.

Ms. Woolley and Dr. Propst are available for further comment.