Update On NIH Funding Issue

Dear Colleagues,

As you may have seen, yesterday Connecticut joined 21 other states in taking legal action in an effort to prevent the recently announced changes to the NIH funding model from taking effect.

Here is the declaration from UConn in support of this action.

Here is a detailed document that discusses the vital role that this NIH funding plays in supporting the research enterprise at UConn and every other research university in the nation.

This federal support is essential to the critical work of our faculty and staff, which continues to have a profound and highly beneficial impact on the lives of millions of people. And, as the research community knows, many of these grants have a sprawling positive economic impact locally, regionally, and nationally as well.

The current federal funding model, which has roots going back nearly eight decades, is also what helped to make the United States of America the preeminent global leader in health science and technology research, discovery, and innovation.

Last night, in response to the suit filed by the coalition of states, a federal judge temporarily blocked the changes from taking effect for institutions in these 22 states.

Other organizations and institutions, including APLU, AAU, and ACE, have also filed suits.

UConn remains in close contact with state leaders, members of our federal delegation, and colleagues around the nation on this issue and will continue to monitor it closely and share information as it becomes available.

In the meantime, please note that the proposed changes, should they take effect, would not impact direct grant funding budgeted for the costs of conducting research or funds for investigator and staff salaries.

We know that faculty and staff are understandably concerned by these events. Please know we will do all we can to support you and keep you informed. Even in this challenging moment, the best thing our researchers can do is focus on carrying out your important work.

Please direct any specific questions regarding this ongoing issue or anything else research-related to [email protected]. We continue to update the OVPR FAQ website regularly.

Sincerely,

Ann D'Alleva

Provost

Pamir Alpay

Vice President for Research