New York Invests $10 Million More to Attract Leading Science Researchers Statewide

New York is making a strong move to cement its place as a global hub for life sciences. On May 12, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a $10 million expansion of the New York Fund for Innovation in Research and Scientific Talent, or NYFIRST. Launched in 2018, this program offers grants to medical schools to recruit leading translational research scientists. Its aim is to spark innovation in biotechnology, create high-skill jobs, and drive economic growth across the state.

Translational research lies at the core of NYFIRST. This work connects lab discoveries to practical medical solutions, like turning a new finding into a cancer therapy or a diagnostic tool. Since the program began, it has helped New York’s medical schools attract researchers advancing fields such as gene editing and immunotherapy. With applications for the latest funding round open until April 30, 2026, the state is poised to build on this progress.

NYFIRST operates with a clear structure that delivers results. Medical schools can apply for grants of up to $1 million to cover costs like lab setups and staff for recruited researchers. The new 12-month application window, with rolling reviews, offers flexibility to attract top candidates, even when moves involve relocating entire research teams across the country.

Since its launch, NYFIRST has awarded 12 grants, creating over 160 jobs, including 95 hires from outside New York. These researchers have secured $25.7 million in federal grants and raised an additional $93.1 million in external funding. This amplifies the state’s initial $15 million investment, paving the way for breakthroughs that could transform healthcare, from new treatments for rare diseases to advanced diagnostics.

NYFIRST fits into a broader plan to position New York as a biotech leader. Initiatives like the $6 billion LifeSci NYC program focus on creating innovation hubs where universities, startups, and hospitals collaborate. Similar efforts in places like Massachusetts’s 128 Innovation Corridor and North Carolina’s Research Triangle have fueled job growth and attracted over 1,800 new life science companies since 2018.

Views on how to achieve these goals vary. Some policymakers advocate for public investments like NYFIRST, pointing to strong public support—over 90 percent of Americans favor research funding, per recent surveys. Others emphasize private-sector partnerships or tax incentives, stressing the need for clear metrics to ensure taxpayer money delivers measurable economic benefits.

NYFIRST holds immense potential, but competition is fierce. States like California, with a $40 million bioscience workforce program, are also vying for top talent. Beyond funding, researchers prioritize factors like housing, childcare, and work-life balance. New York will need to address these to retain scientists long-term.

Another challenge is defining success. While NYFIRST has generated jobs and funding, some call for specific benchmarks, such as the number of startups launched or therapies developed. These questions will shape how the program evolves as it seeks to balance scientific ambition with economic impact.

New York’s commitment to NYFIRST signals confidence in science as a driver of progress. With 160 jobs created, nearly $119 million in funding secured, and a pipeline of innovative research, the program has laid a strong foundation. Still, it must compete globally and ensure its investments benefit residents directly.

As medical schools prepare to recruit new talent, the next wave of researchers could tackle urgent health challenges while boosting New York’s economy. The potential is vast—new jobs, thriving communities, and life-changing treatments are all within reach.

For New Yorkers, the effects of NYFIRST may not be immediate, but its long-term impact could reshape healthcare and economic opportunities. The state is betting big on biotech, and the outcome will depend on how well it navigates the road ahead.