Keynote: The Federal Shift: What National Funding Changes Mean for Health Innovation

The recent wave of federal funding restrictions, pauses, and potential freezes has sent shockwaves through the health innovation landscape, disrupting research, healthcare programs, and economic development nationwide—including right here in St. Louis. In this keynote, Ben Johnson will unpack the complex and rapidly evolving funding landscape, exploring how sweeping executive orders and agency-level uncertainties are affecting NIH, NSF, and other critical sources of research and healthcare investment. While some freezes have been temporarily halted, the uncertainty lingers, leaving institutions, startups, and research organizations scrambling to assess long-term impacts. Johnson will break down the real implications for federally backed health innovation programs, from clinical research and biotech startups to community health initiatives, highlighting the cascading effects on economic growth, job creation, and life-changing medical advancements. He will also outline ongoing advocacy efforts to safeguard funding and offer insights on how organizations can navigate this uncertain terrain while ensuring their work continues to drive innovation and impact.