The Trump administration has issued Executive Orders implementing a shift in federal priorities to align with their vision. Pauses on external communications and operational reviews are standard for a new administration. These will be temporary as agency leadership determines how to individually implement the new priorities.

For those faculty PIs of federally supported grants, the University and the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) greatly appreciates your efforts and the work of your students and staff. Continuity of productive research teams is paramount. Should a laboratory experience a pause in federal funding that impacts their ability to continue to support a graduate student or staff member, ORI will work with faculty PI and affiliated department and school leadership to provide necessary bridge support. This will be on a case-by-case basis.

ORI will continue to provide agency updates and policy guidance, as it becomes available. In the meantime, please follow the below guidelines:

Proposals

• You should continue to prepare proposals for submission. We encourage faculty to continuously check the solicitation website for any updated guidance or adjustment of due dates as some programs may be eliminated while others may only be adjusted.

Awards

• Continue to perform research work on already-funded federal sponsored projects (including awards funded with federal dollars flowing through the State, another institution or entity) unless you receive a notice from your funding agency to suspend performance. If you receive such a notice, send a copy to OSP immediately. If OSP receives such a notice, PIs and their departmental contact will be promptly notified. OSP will also work with the PI/department to provide proper guidance to any subrecipients. Swift action will be needed for requested changes.
• Suspend all diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including community benefit plans, outreach efforts and any activities associated with specific underrepresented communities.
• Continue to submit all required reports. Federal agencies may make changes to the formatting and/or required content of reports. As we learn information, OSP will communicate directly with affected faculty and communicate broadly, as needed.
• Incremental funding should arrive as expected but may delayed as the agencies determine implicated projects. There may be reductions due to the budgetary continuing resolution.
• New awards may be impacted as new federal priorities shift. Specific programs may be terminated or restructured, affecting both already funded and newly recommended awards. ORI will work with faculty to determine a path forward that is least disruptive to the research program and personnel.
• There are changes to research compliance. These range from agency-wide to project specific adjustments. ORI will communicate broadly and individually with affected faculty. Please make any requested changes quickly to avoid jeopardizing funding.
• Equipment purchases should be suspended until we receive clear guidance from federal agencies.

We ask that faculty share all guidance related to their federally funded projects with OSP. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Emily Lacy (Director, OSP).

Additional information