The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) strongly opposes the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed rule on federal financial assistance. We believe the proposal would significantly weaken the foundations of the U.S. research enterprise by introducing political considerations into scientific funding decisions, undermining the long-standing principle that research support should be awarded based on scientific merit, expert review, and public health impact.
For decades, peer review has served as the cornerstone of federally funded biomedical research, ensuring that the most rigorous and promising scientific ideas receive support regardless of political ideology. ASTMH is concerned that the proposed rule would diminish the role of independent scientific expertise and create uncertainty for researchers, institutions, and public health programs that depend on stable, evidence-based funding processes.
The Society is also deeply concerned about provisions that could restrict international scientific collaboration and limit the dissemination of research findings. Global health challenges such as malaria, dengue, emerging infectious diseases, and other neglected tropical diseases require strong partnerships across borders. Scientific progress depends on the ability of researchers to collaborate, share data, publish findings, and engage with colleagues worldwide.
Taken together, the proposed changes risk weakening the scientific infrastructure that has made the United States a global leader in biomedical innovation and public health research. At a time when infectious disease threats continue to evolve, policies should strengthen—not constrain—the independent, collaborative scientific enterprise that protects health and saves lives.
ASTMH calls on policymakers to preserve merit-based peer review, protect the independence of scientific decision-making, and support the international partnerships essential to advancing research and improving global health outcomes. We urge every ASTMH member, institutional partner, and supporter of evidence-based public health to submit formal public comments opposing this rule before the July 13, 2026 deadline.
We remain committed to defending rigorous, evidence-based science and the principles that have driven decades of progress against some of the world’s most challenging diseases. ASTMH will be following up with members in the coming days with more details on the most helpful ways to engage and take action.