Senator Katie Britt Welcomes NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya to UAB, Highlights Alabama's Role in Lifesaving Research

BIRMINGHAM, AL - In a powerful show of support for biomedical innovation and federal research funding, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) welcomed National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D., to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for a special presentation at the Hill Student Center. The visit underscored Alabama's growing prominence in clinical research and its critical role in addressing chronic disease.

Senator Britt delivered remarks following Dr. Bhattacharya's presentation, emphasizing her commitment to advancing NIH-funded research and spotlighting UAB's leadership in medical innovation. "From the very moment I met Secretary Kennedy and Dr. Bhattacharya during the confirmation process, I made sure the importance of NIH and the incredible work done here at UAB was front and center," Britt said. "We have to continue lifesaving, life-changing research. We have to be focused on finding cures."

She noted Alabama's disproportionate burden of chronic and life-threatening diseases, stressing that proximity to these challenges makes UAB's research especially impactful. "It has been an honor to tell your story to the highest levels here in the United States," Britt added.

💬 Britt also referenced her conversations with President Trump, stating his commitment to supporting research and innovation: "He is committed to finding cures, to seeing life-changing, lifesaving research continue-and Alabama lead the way."

UAB Leadership Applauds Britt's Advocacy

UAB President Ray Watts praised Senator Britt's leadership and her unwavering support for NIH initiatives. "Senator Britt has continued to champion biomedical research," Watts said, citing her efforts to bring O'Neal Cancer Center Director Barry Sleckman before the Senate Appropriations Committee and her pointed questioning of HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy regarding UAB's responsible stewardship of federal research funds.

Watts also highlighted Britt's role in securing presidential support for NIH funding and her successful push for the FY25 Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. "There is no greater champion in the country for federal research funding and for saving lives than Senator Britt," he said.

Touring the Future of Research at UAB

Following the presentation, Senator Britt and Dr. Bhattacharya toured the construction site of the new UAB Biomedical Research and Psychology Building. The facility, which broke ground last fall, will house faculty from the Heersink School of Medicine and the Department of Psychology, further expanding UAB's research capabilities.

📈 Britt's visit comes on the heels of her securing $28.63 million for Alabama through the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Her efforts have earned praise from national organizations including the American Association for Cancer Research, the Association of American Cancer Institutes, and United for Medical Research.