Why NIH Funding Freezes Challenge Non-Partisan Science: Insights from Pitt Researchers

President Donald Trump recently signed executive orders that have a significant impact on NIH funding, vital for research projects.

One order, issued on January 27, froze all federal grants and loans, affecting funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) are feeling anxious as their future work hangs in the balance.

This order came from a memo by the Office of Management and Budget, instructing federal agencies to pause all financial assistance, especially regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The NIH supports research through grants that scientists apply for. DEI grants, which help students and researchers from underrepresented backgrounds, are particularly affected by this policy.

In 2024, Pitt received about $685.3 million in NIH funding, ranking sixth among U.S. universities. This funding is crucial for both standard and DEI projects.

Pitt’s spokesperson, Jared Stonesifer, said the university is closely watching these government policies and will respond as needed. He acknowledged the critical role federal funding plays in advancing treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Before the funding freeze, researchers had to submit detailed applications for grants, outlining their projects, budgets, and expected impacts. Review committees at the NIH assess these applications, a process that can take years.

Takashi Kozai, an associate professor at Pitt, relies on government grants for nearly all of his lab’s research on brain-computer interfaces. He expressed concern about the freeze: “I’m supposed to get a new grant in December, but that’s on hold. If this isn’t resolved soon, I may have to lay off staff.”

Grants not only pay for research materials but also support the salaries of lab workers. While Pitt offers some financial safety for graduate and PhD students, those in long-term positions may not have similar support.

The impact of this freeze is particularly severe for long-term studies, Kozai warned.

Daniela Gil, a PhD student researching alcohol use disorders, shared that although she received funding for her first year, the remaining three years have been frozen. “This grant is essential for my career, and I worked hard to secure it. The funding is guaranteed, so this freeze is frustrating,” she said.

Rachel Rice, another PhD student studying genetics in alcohol use disorders, expressed concern for both current and future students facing uncertain funding. “These freezes disrupt vital research, including studies directly helping patients,” she noted. “I’m worried this will slow down important scientific work.”

Rice stressed that research is crucial for both the Pitt community and society as a whole. “Science doesn’t take sides; it welcomes everyone. Our work benefits the greater good,” she concluded.