About AIRI

What is the Association of Independent Research Institutes (AIRI)?

AIRI is an association of independent, not-for-profit biomedical and behavioral research institutes whose mission is to enhance the ability of its members to improve human health and advance knowledge. AIRI accomplishes its mission through member networking, education, and involvement in the development of science policy.

Who are the members of AIRI?

AIRI is a nationwide association of ninety-two (92) independent, not-for-profit, research institutes that play prominent roles in the United States biomedical and behavioral research enterprise. Their scientists, including 9 Nobel Laureates and many members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, make vital contributions to fields at the forefront of biomedical science, behavioral research, and clinical medicine. Among these fields are cancer and AIDS research, aging, genomics, neuroscience, drug and vaccine development, public health awareness, and cessation of smoking and adolescent substance abuse. AIRI scientists compete successfully for peer-reviewed research grants and provide research training for graduate and post-graduate students, and clinical fellows. AIRI institutions offer an important complement to university-based research. Their smaller size and greater flexibility provide an environment that is particularly conducive to creativity and innovation. Together, AIRI institutions receive about 11 percent of the extramural funds awarded annually by the National Institutes of Health. Other funding sources include the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, voluntary health agencies, private foundations, and corporations. The budgets of AIRI institutions tend to be rather small—generally in the range of $1 million to $10 million—although several AIRI members have budgets exceeding $100 million.

Why was AIRI formed?

AIRI was founded in 1961 to promote communication among member institutions and to further the pursuit of common interests, especially with regard to federal issues that affect research funding and regulation. Non-profit research institutes are sometimes subject to different federal regulations and laws than universities and other institutions conducting biomedical and behavioral research, leading to inconsistent treatment that could be detrimental to research progress. AIRI institutions believe that the best researchers should have equal access to research funding, capital support, and training opportunities. Thus, AIRI seeks ton ensure that scientists at member institutions have the same opportunities as those in more traditional academic settings.

What are the benefits of membership in AIRI?

AIRI provides a variety of valuable services to members, including a strong presence on Capitol Hill and the opportunity to share common concerns with individuals from similar institutions across the United States. AIRI is represented in Washington by Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, a government relations firm that has extensive experience on topics related to biomedical and behavioral research and health care. The firm works closely with the AIRI leadership to keep members abreast of new developments in Congress and the Executive agencies including the National Institutes of Health; to educate policymakers about the contributions of independent research institutions to leading edge health care and economic development in this country; and to alert AIRI members to actions they might take to improve their communications with Washington. Each fall, AIRI members participate in an annual meeting which includes renowned speakers, workshops on timely topics and intensive seminars on issues important to independent research institutions. In addition, AIRI provides a forum throughout the year for electronic discussions about personnel and visa issues, salary scales, benefits, recruitment, retirement plans, and other topics. The directors, managers, and scientists at AIRI institutions often rate this opportunity for “networking” with their colleagues as one of the most important benefits of AIRI membership.

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About AIRI What is the Association of Independent Research Institutes (AIRI)? AIRI is an association of independent, not-for-profit biomedical and behavioral research institutes whose mission is to enhance the ability of its members to improve human health and advance knowledge. AIRI accomplishes its mission through member networking, education, and involvement in the development of science policy. Who are the members of AIRI? AIRI is a nationwide association of ninety-two (92) independent, not-for-profit, research institutes that play prominent roles in the United States biomedical and behavioral research enterprise. Their scientists, including 9 Nobel Laureates and many members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, make vital contributions to fields at the forefront of biomedical science, behavioral research, and clinical medicine. Among these fields are cancer and AIDS research, aging, genomics, neuroscience, drug and vaccine development, public health awareness, and cessation of smoking and adolescent substance abuse. AIRI scientists compete successfully for peer-reviewed research grants and provide research training for graduate and post-graduate students, and clinical fellows. AIRI institutions offer an important complement to university-based research. Their smaller size and greater flexibility provide an environment that is particularly conducive to creativity and innovation. Together, AIRI institutions receive about 11 percent of the extramural funds awarded annually by the National Institutes of Health. Other funding sources include the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, voluntary health agencies, private foundations, and corporations. The budgets of AIRI institutions tend to be rather small—generally in the range of $1 million to $10 million—although several AIRI members have budgets exceeding $100 million. Why was AIRI formed? AIRI was founded in 1961 to promote communication among member institutions and to further the pursuit of common interests, especially with regard to federal issues that affect research funding and regulation. Non-profit research institutes are sometimes subject to different federal regulations and laws than universities and other institutions conducting biomedical and behavioral research, leading to inconsistent treatment that could be detrimental to research progress. AIRI institutions believe that the best researchers should have equal access to research funding, capital support, and training opportunities. Thus, AIRI seeks ton ensure that scientists at member institutions have the same opportunities as those in more traditional academic settings. What are the benefits of membership in AIRI? AIRI provides a variety of valuable services to members, including a strong presence on Capitol Hill and the opportunity to share common concerns with individuals from similar institutions across the United States. AIRI is represented in Washington by Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, a government relations firm that has extensive experience on topics related to biomedical and behavioral research and health care. The firm works closely with the AIRI leadership to keep members abreast of new developments in Congress and the Executive agencies including the National Institutes of Health; to educate policymakers about the contributions of independent research institutions to leading edge health care and economic development in this country; and to alert AIRI members to actions they might take to improve their communications with Washington. Each fall, AIRI members participate in an annual meeting which includes renowned speakers, workshops on timely topics and intensive seminars on issues important to independent research institutions. In addition, AIRI provides a forum throughout the year for electronic discussions about personnel and visa issues, salary scales, benefits, recruitment, retirement plans, and other topics. The directors, managers, and scientists at AIRI institutions often rate this opportunity for “networking” with their colleagues as one of the most important benefits of AIRI membership. > Contact Us	Kim E. Witmer AIRI President Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer The Salk Institute for Biological Studies

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