The 2026 report mandated by the U.S. congress to assess the NIH support for pediatric research - strategies to enhance NIH-funded pediatric research: Optimizing child health.

PURPOSE: Physical and mental health symptoms are increasing in children in America and with lifelong adverse consequences. Research is the strongest approach to identifying and addressing the causes of this decrease in child health. The U.S. Congress in 2023 mandated a data-driven report be prepared by a committee of pediatric experts regarding the level of support by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for pediatric research. The purpose of this article is to describe how the report was prepared and the recommendations made.

METHOD: The report procedures were overseen by the National Academies of the Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Eighteen experts in pediatric health and research comprised the consensus committee. Multiple sources of public-facing data were reviewed, and leaders at the NIH were interviewed. Fourteen additional experts reviewed the final report and offered critique comments.

RESULTS: Though past advances in pediatric health made possible by funding support from the NIH were acknowledged, current barriers to more efficient and effective conduct of pediatric research were identified. Eight recommendations were made to elevate pediatric research within the NIH by altering current structures, creating a culture of child inclusion in research, and providing expanded resources.

CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in funding for important factors contributing to health and its decline in children exist in funding for pediatric research from the NIH. Addressing these gaps holds the promise of improving health for children in America.