A National Gathering to Advance the Future of Health Research
Held on September 19 and 20, 2023, the National Health Research Forum, hosted by Research!America, brought together more than 60 prominent voices in science, medicine, policy, and industry—including 16 high-ranking government officials—to explore how scientific innovation can transform healthcare, address pressing health challenges, and strengthen public health systems across the United States.
The annual forum served as a cross-sector platform for discussing breakthroughs in medical research, evaluating health policy impacts, and identifying opportunities for public-private collaboration to improve health outcomes nationwide. Participants engaged in timely conversations on topics ranging from pandemic preparedness and drug development to health equity and AI integration in care delivery.
Core Themes: Innovation, Equity, and Preparedness
The 2023 forum focused on several interrelated priorities shaping the health research landscape in a post-pandemic world:
1. Accelerating Scientific Innovation
Speakers underscored the importance of sustained investment in basic and translational research to drive progress in fields such as precision medicine, immunotherapy, neuroscience, and digital health. Leaders from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) highlighted efforts to streamline clinical trials, expand public engagement in research, and promote equity in trial participation.
2. Preparedness for Emerging Health Threats
Building on lessons from COVID-19, the forum included in-depth discussions on the need for robust pandemic preparedness infrastructure, rapid-response manufacturing capabilities, and real-time disease surveillance systems. Panelists explored strategies to close gaps in infectious disease forecasting, supply chain resilience, and emergency response coordination.
3. Health Equity and Public Trust
Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the critical need to address structural barriers to care, improve representation in research, and restore public trust in science and healthcare institutions. Health disparities across race, geography, income, and disability status were highlighted as areas requiring targeted, data-driven solutions.
Notable Participants and Policy Dialogue
Among the high-profile attendees were:
- Dr. Francis Collins, former NIH Director, discussing the evolution of biomedical innovation and cross-agency collaboration.
- Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, newly nominated NIH Director at the time, offering insight on the future direction of federally funded health research.
- FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, speaking on regulatory modernization to keep pace with emerging technologies.
- HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, highlighting the agency’s priorities in addressing mental health and substance use crises.
The bipartisan nature of participation—including members of Congress and former health officials—reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the U.S. research ecosystem as a means to drive health, economic, and security outcomes.
Bridging Research and Real-World Impact
The forum also explored how research can be better aligned with real-world health delivery and policy goals. Sessions emphasized:
- Expanding funding pathways for community-embedded research and implementation science.
- Enhancing collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate the translation of discoveries into therapies and tools.
- Promoting transparency and accountability in research funding and outcomes tracking.
Representatives from the private sector and philanthropic organizations echoed calls for aligning incentives with patient-centered innovation and ensuring that research benefits are equitably distributed.
A Vision for the Future
Closing discussions at the forum focused on charting a bold path forward for American health research, built on cross-sector partnerships, public engagement, and evidence-based policymaking. Organizers emphasized that sustained momentum requires bipartisan support, global collaboration, and a collective commitment to using science not just for discovery, but for tangible impact.
The 2023 National Health Research Forum reaffirmed the idea that innovation is not only a scientific imperative, but a national one—crucial for navigating future health challenges and building a healthier, more equitable America.
Source:
Research!America – 2023 National Health Research Forum
