Facing rising competition and shrinking federal support, a coalition of medical research leaders is pushing a bold $6 billion plan to keep New York at the forefront of biomedical innovation.
The proposal, called the Empire Biomedical Research Institute (EBRI), would create a first-of-its-kind, state-supported funding system aimed at stabilizing New York’s life sciences sector and growing its national standing. Leaders from the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) are spearheading the effort, warning that the state’s $8.3 billion research economy — and the 35,000 jobs it supports — is at risk without urgent action.
The plan calls for a $500 million down payment to help retain top scientists and protect current programs. That would be followed by a 10-year, $6 billion investment to fund new research, build infrastructure, and expand workforce training.
Jonathan Teyan of AMSNY said the goal is to future-proof New York’s biomedical sector as other states, including California, Texas, and Massachusetts, pour billions into their own research ecosystems. Without a serious commitment from Albany, he said, New York could fall behind.
AMSNY is working to unite a broad coalition of medical schools, biotech firms, and research-driven organizations to back the effort. The group says EBRI would complement existing state initiatives like Empire AI and the Life Sciences Initiative — but go further by offering long-term, stable funding driven by scientists, not shifting federal priorities.
The proposal is expected to be formally introduced to the Governor’s office and industry leaders in the coming weeks.
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