Federal funding for endoscopic research in the United States: 2003-2008

Objectives:Endoscopic research is underfunded compared with other areas of research. In 2003 we evaluated trends in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for endoscopic research from 1972 through 2002. Here, we update those trends for 2003-2008.Methods:We calculated the number of federally funded endoscopic research grants and classified them as primary or secondary. Endoscopy funding was compared with other funding for the same period.Results:From 2003 through 2008, the NIH funded 76 primary and 114 secondary endoscopy grants. R01 grants accounted for 25% of these. Colorectal cancer research and imaging and advanced optical technology received most of the grants. More primary endoscopic grants were funded than Helicobacter pylori research grants or cardiac catheterization grants. The number of funded endoscopic grants was not different between the periods 1972-2002 and 2003-2008.Conclusions:Endoscopic research remains underfunded compared with other areas of research.