Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito recently welcomed Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown. The visit aimed to showcase the impactful work being done at WVU through NIH funding.

Capito expressed her enthusiasm about the research being conducted in West Virginia, stating, "From cancer detection and treatment, to the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and Substance Use Disorder, universities throughout West Virginia—particularly WVU—are making significant contributions to biomedical research."

Dr. Bertagnolli also shared her admiration for the NIH-supported research at WVU, mentioning the university's research initiatives in various areas such as amputation prevention, breast cancer treatment, and Lyme disease vaccine development. She highlighted the importance of addressing health issues in West Virginia through NIH-funded research.

The collaboration between Senator Capito and NIH leadership has been ongoing, with Capito hosting several NIH directors at WVU in the past. Dr. Bertagnolli, the first surgeon and second woman to hold the position of NIH director, oversees critical biomedical and behavioral research globally.

The impact of NIH funding in West Virginia has been significant, with the state receiving $267 million in NIH research awards from 2016 to 2022. This funding has not only led to medical breakthroughs but has also generated $549 million in new economic activity and created over 3,660 jobs in the state.

The visit by Senator Capito and Dr. Bertagnolli to WVU aimed to highlight the importance of continued investment in biomedical research programs in West Virginia. It showcased the promising future of healthcare advancements in the state.