Statements and Article Quotes from COGR and Other Higher Education Associations on NIH's 15% Cap on Facilities and Administrative Costs Reimbursement

COGR Statements:

Politico: US science is feeling the Trump chill: While past administrations have steered the focus of U.S. research in new directions — from nanotechnology to cancer research — those priorities were typically additive; they didn’t restrict research in other areas. Trump’s approach “will have long-term harmful consequences,” said Matt Owens, president of the Council on Government Relations, an association of academic research institutions. “One of our strengths as a nation is the federal government has invested across the board in curiosity-driven research, because over time this pays dividends,” he told Chelsea. “So an erosion of broad federal support for all areas of research will damage our ability to remain the global science and innovation leader.”
E&E News by Politico: Trump takes ‘giant wrecking ball’ to US research: "New administrations typically come in with their own new priorities for research, said Matt Owens, president of the Council on Government Relations, an association of academic research institutions. Previous administrations have championed everything from nanotechnology to cancer research to advanced manufacturing. But these priorities are typically additive, not aimed at restricting research in other areas, he said. The Trump administration is taking a different approach — one that “will have long-term harmful consequences,” Owens said. “One of our strengths as a nation is the federal government has invested across the board in curiosity-driven research, because over time this pays dividends,” he said. “So an erosion of broad federal support for all areas of research will damage our ability to remain the global science and innovation leader.”
Washington Post: NIH cuts billions of dollars in biomedical funding, effective immediately "This is a surefire way to cripple lifesaving research and innovation. The funding is “part and parcel of the total costs of conducting world class research,” Owens added. “We are carefully reviewing this policy change as it contradicts current law and policy. America’s competitors will relish this self-inflicted wound.”
NPR: NIH announces new funding policy that rattles medical researchers "This is a surefire way to cripple lifesaving research and innovation. Reimbursement of facilities and administrative expenditures are part and parcel of the total costs of conducting world class research."
Science Magazine: NIH slashes overhead payments for research, sparking outrage “This is a surefire way to cripple lifesaving research and innovation. America’s competitors will relish this self-inflicted wound. We urge NIH to rescind this dangerous policy before its harms are felt by Americans.”
STAT: NIH plans to slash support for indirect research costs, sending shockwaves through science Reimbursement of facilities and administrative expenditures are part and parcel of the total costs of conducting world class research. America’s competitors will relish this self-inflicted wound. We urge NIH leaders to rescind this dangerous policy before its harms are felt by Americans.”
COGR LinkedIn Post 2/8/25