Exposure to Biomedical Research in Jewish American Education in the New York City Metropolitan Area, United States: A Halachic Imperative

In light of ongoing budget cuts curtailing biomedical research within and beyond the federal government, understanding the importance of scientific innovation and rigorous research is paramount. This paper advocates for increased dedication to pursuing scientific inquiry-particularly biomedical research-reflecting the Jewish moral responsibility to advance knowledge and contribute to improving health. Using a narrative and qualitative approach, the paper draws on an analysis of Jewish religious texts-identified through recommendations from scholars and online queries-and unstructured telephone interviews with six students from Modern Orthodox Yeshivahs in the New York City Metropolitan area. Participants were selected based on their involvement in academic extracurricular activities and were purposefully sampled to represent different schools and grade levels. These firsthand accounts help inform recommendations for reform and highlight how early exposure to research can be tangibly implemented, emphasized further as the paper discusses successful initiatives already in place nationwide. Findings revealed significant variation in access to research experiences and showcased the benefits of early exposure, mentorship, and access to opportunities in cultivating high school students' interest in research.