When NIH funds a GWAS discovery, the scientific value extends far beyond that single finding. Knowledge flows through biological networks, enabling innovation across related gene-disease pairs.
The Challenge
Traditional ROI metrics only capture direct outcomes. But scientific knowledge is interconnected—a discovery about one gene informs research on biologically related genes.
Without measuring spillovers, we systematically undervalue basic science investments.
What We Found
Using biological pathway data, we trace how discoveries propagate through the biomedical knowledge network.
60x
Spillover Multiplier