The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com
Jacquelyn Gill is a professor of paleoecology and plant ecology in the School of Biology and Ecology at the University of Maine. This work reflects her personal views and expertise; she does not speak on behalf of the university.
Maine has a long history of innovation, from shipbuilding to forestry to biomedical research. Federal investment in science is a key driver of our state’s economy, fueling job growth, education, and cutting-edge discoveries that benefit all Mainers. Yet the Trump Administration’s recent disruptions to research funding threaten this progress. Pausing or canceling these investments isn’t just a setback for scientists — it’s a direct blow to Maine’s workforce, economy, and public health.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are two of the most effective engines of American innovation. NIH-funded research has played a critical role in medical breakthroughs, from cancer treatments to vaccines. In Maine, NIH-funded scientists are developing treatments for addiction, glaucoma, and muscular diseases — advances that could save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
In 2023 alone, NIH investments brought $116 million into Maine, supporting 1,470 jobs and generating $262 million in economic activity. That’s a return on investment Maine can’t afford to lose.
NSF funding is just as crucial. Established in 1950 with broad bipartisan support, the National Science Foundation has driven technological and educational advances that keep the U.S. globally competitive. Today, Maine researchers are using NSF funds to develop new manufacturing technologies, train teachers in rural schools, and improve agricultural practices for potato farmers. With over $30 million in active NSF grants, these investments create opportunities for Maine businesses, schools, and communities.
Federal funding for science isn’t just about research, it’s about jobs. More than one-third of Maine’s workforce is in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, from biopharmaceuticals to environmental science. The life sciences sector alone employed over 10,000 Mainers in 2024 and is projected to grow even further. These are high-paying, stable jobs that keep Maine’s economy strong.
The University of Maine, which achieved R1 research status in 2022, is a national leader in STEM education, and the largest recipient of federal research dollars in the state. Federal grants allow students to gain hands-on training in fields like biotechnology, engineering, and environmental science. These programs don’t just educate — they retain talent, ensuring that Maine’s best and brightest stay here to become our doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Much of this work is fueled by scholarships, research opportunities, and training programs funded by NIH and NSF.
Supporting science is good policy and good economics. These research funds were already approved by Congress and are among the most scrutinized and accountable expenditures in the federal budget. Cutting or delaying them jeopardizes Maine’s economic future.
Rep. Jared Golden, Sen. Angus King, and Sen. Susan Collins have long championed Maine’s workforce and industries. Now, they must act swiftly to protect the scientific infrastructure that fuels our state’s economy and wellbeing.
When science thrives, Maine thrives. Let’s keep it that way.
