Just two days after President Trump was inaugurated for his second term, Evangeline Warren, a sociology PhD student at Ohio State University, joined a professional development workshop online. The participants were mainly researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest source of funding for biomedical and behavioral research globally.
During the presentation, a senior organizer dropped a bombshell: the NIH was forbidden from any external communication. Just like that, the call ended.
This incident wasn’t an isolated one. Dozens of scientists took to Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, to share similar experiences: canceled meetings related to government-funded science, amidst a federal communication shutdown initiated by the Trump administration. In the days that followed, Trump expressed intentions to sever ties with the World Health Organization, suspended CDC reports, and imposed travel restrictions on Health and Human Services staff—all without clear reasons.
It’s common to see a brief communication pause during transitions of power, but halting the grant application process is unusual. Researchers noted that rescheduling meetings can be a logistical nightmare, particularly with an administration that has previously threatened the existence of federal science agencies. A canceled meeting could indicate a larger attack on public health and higher education.
This isn’t the first time public health research faced challenges under Trump. His first term included proposed budget cuts to NIH, which fortunately didn’t materialize due to bipartisan congressional support. But now, as allies who oppose federal science agencies gain influence, many scientists worry this could signal the beginning of the end for public science. If NIH-funded research comes to a standstill, breakthroughs for diseases like cancer and diabetes might be delayed for years.
An anonymous senior NIH researcher expressed fear about the current situation, describing it as “actually scary.”
Recently, the Trump administration instructed health agencies, including the NIH, FDA, and CDC, to pause all public communications until February 1, effectively halting reports and data releases. This decision sent researchers into a panic, with many reporting canceled meetings and job offers, unsure if these disruptions were related to the communication freeze.
Most biomedical researchers, whether in academia or private companies, rely heavily on NIH grants to fund their work. Labs function like small businesses, continuously seeking funding to cover expenses and salaries. NIH funding plays a crucial role in supporting research infrastructure. Once a grant application is submitted, it goes through a review process involving a panel of experts, who assess the project’s potential before it’s passed to a council that determines funding approval.
Coordinating meetings with multiple scientists requires meticulous planning. Rescheduling can cause delays, affecting the entire grant timing and possibly halting clinical trials. Some doctors have already reported canceled appointments for critical experimental treatments. A researcher outside academia mentioned concerns about losing access to essential data and resources necessary for ongoing health projects.
Adding to the chaos, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the closure of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, further complicating communication within agencies. As weeks went on, many began to lose faith in the clarity of the situation. NIH has numerous institutes, each led separately, and with no clear guidance from higher-ups, administrators were left to interpret vague directives.
With Jay Bhattacharya nominated to lead the NIH but yet unconfirmed, uncertainty looms over the agency, especially since he is known for his views against pandemic restrictions. This leaves researchers anxious about the future of their work and funding.
In response to these disruptions, the atmosphere in academic circles has grown bleak. Many scientists, both junior and senior, expressed deep concern over the future of scientific research in America. Research grants often serve as a lifeline for young professionals entering the field, and without them, many could be forced to abandon their scientific aspirations.
For students like Warren, currently finishing her degree, the situation is stressful. Although her current research is safe, she fears that if delays continue, her plans for postdoctoral opportunities could vanish. It’s a harsh reality that many ambitious, underpaid researchers are now facing—the need to reconsider their career paths in favor of more stable options in the private sector.
Warren lamented, “It’s heartbreaking. There are people at risk of leaving science altogether, and their potential could be lost to industries that don’t prioritize public good.”
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