Strategies to Leverage Research Funding

Since 1992 the Department of Defense (DOD), through the U.S. Army MedicalResearch and Material Command, has received congressionally earmarked appropriationsfor programs of biomedical research on prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer;neurofibromatosis; tuberous sclerosis; and other health problems. Appropriations forthese Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs are used to support peerreviewed extramural research project, training, and infrastructure grants. Congress has become concerned about funding increases for these programsgiven current demands on the military budget. At the request of Congress, theInstitute of Medicine (IOM) examined possibilities of augmenting program fundingfrom alternative sources. The resulting IOM book, Strategies to Leverage ResearchFunding: Guiding DOD's Peer Reviewed Medical Research Programs, focuses on nonfederaland private sector contributions that could extend the appropriated funds withoutbiasing the peer review project selection process.