NIH Funding Pause
The university is tracking the potential localized impact of cancelled meetings and study sections at the NIH, as reported in several outlets on January 22 and 23, 2025.
Study sections are a legal prerequisite peer review period before research grants can be approved. If this freeze lasts for a significant period of time, it will inhibit NIH's ability to issue new grants. Like many research universities, UMass receives significant funding through the NIH to advance health sciences for the common good. At this point, the university is only aware of the pause in NIH. We will continue monitoring other funding agencies.
The university has also issued guidance to associate deans for research across the institution.
The campus is in touch with the Massachusetts federal delegation to learn more about potential ramifications and will work with other UMass campuses and higher education institutions to assess next steps.