One approach to answering the ethics question is to take the healthcare Triple Aim as a framework. The Triple Aim has been a successful scaffolding for discussing ways to improve healthcare delivery. Translating the original aims, this paper examines three critical research aims: 1) Researching to improve population health; 2) Improving the experience of research subjects; and 3) Lowering the total cost of research per unit of disease burden improved. For each aim, we discuss key stakeholders, relevant Just as the allocation of limited healthcare resources is an ethics issue, we can say the same of the finite dollars spent by the federal government on biomedical research. Misappropriated and wasted money delays improving the lives of those afflicted with disease. From this, we conclude quickly that research dollars should be distributed and used in ways that meet ethical tests including that of distributive justice. Policy levers, a common and effective means of pushing national activities in a desired direction, could be targeted to achieve a more ethical approach to how we allocate research funding in the US.