1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

The proposed changes by the Trump administration to limit how universities can use National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding for overhead expenses pose a significant threat to vital research activities. By capping administrative and facility costs at a mere 15% of grant awards, universities face potential budget deficits ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. At the University of Kansas alone, estimates indicate a staggering $30-40 million annual shortfall. This policy undermines the ability of higher education institutions to effectively manage and sustain their cutting-edge research endeavors, which drive innovation, advance knowledge, and improve lives. A substantial portion of overhead costs goes toward maintaining state-of-the-art laboratories, ensuring safety protocols, and providing essential support services to researchers. Hampering these operational necessities jeopardizes the very foundation upon which groundbreaking discoveries are made. Furthermore, the ripple effects of such drastic financial constraints could force institutions to implement hiring freezes, terminate projects abruptly, and scale back their research capacities significantly. This not only impedes scientific progress but also compromises economic growth and job opportunities within local communities and nationwide. Robust federal funding for research is crucial for universities to fulfill their mission of expanding the frontiers of human understanding. Any policies that hinder this noble pursuit must be re-evaluated through a lens of long-term consequences. Preserving the integrity of the research ecosystem should be a national priority, as it propels our society forward and strengthens America's global competitiveness.