Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $10 million expansion to the New York Fund for Innovation in Research and Scientific Talent (NYFIRST), providing a boost to the state’s initiatives in the field. The program, initially launched in 2018 with $15 million, has been credited with enhancing New York's translational research capabilities. Translational research, which bridges the gap between the laboratory and clinical applications, is vital for developing new medical diagnostics and treatments. According to the Governor's Office, the freshly announced funds will aim to attract and retain top-tier translational research scientists in the state.
"Our NYFIRST program has emerged as a transformative force for scientific advancement, turning New York's medical institutions into powerhouses that attract the brightest minds in research," Hochul said in the press release. The newly allocated funds are a direct boost to the life science ecosystem, expected to more effectively generate sustainable, high-value jobs and spur commercial opportunities. NYFIRST's sixth round is now open with rolling reviews, giving medical schools until April 30, 2026, to put forward their best candidates. This extended application period is necessary to smoothly facilitate cross-country relocations of researchers and their labs.
Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development, emphasized New York's aspiration to be the go-to destination for life science innovation. "Through strategic investments like NYFIRST, we're positioning New York as the premier destination for life science innovation worldwide," she stated. The idea is that by attracting top scientific talent, New York can help accelerate the transition from innovative research to life-saving treatments, as reported by the Governor's office.
With the additional $10 million funded by the FY25 Enacted Budget, NYFIRST has the capacity to offer up to $1.0 million in funding to cover a range of research-associated costs. The terms for applicants and the details on funding are clearly outlined in the program's guidelines available on the NYFIRST page of the Empire State Development website. Since its launch, the program has awarded 12 grants and contributed to the creation of more than 160 new jobs, leveraging talent both locally and from out-of-state.
These recruits have brought in roughly $25.7 million in NIH and other funding to New York institutions, effectively leveraging an additional $93.1 million in external funding. It's a clear indicator that NYFIRST's goals are being met, as all recruited investigators during the first five application cycles remain employed at the institutions that brought them in. This continued employment streak signals the program's immediate positive impact on the state's medical and economic front.
