Welcome to Federal Relations

We connect faculty with federal funders, share Boston University’s expertise with policymakers, work with national educational and scientific organizations, and increase BU’s visibility in Washington as the federal government considers policies affecting research universities.

What You Need to Know

Recent News & Events

News

BU Launches an Open-Source Infectious Diseases Monitoring Tool Powered by AI and Human Experts

April 23rd, 2025

The Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (BEACON) is slated to become a global hub for critical information about emerging outbreaks.

News

The Rise of a Powerhouse BU Department: Economics

April 22nd, 2025

Notable alums—from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to the prime minister of Iceland to President Trump’s chief economic advisor to the Illinois secretary of state—have all helped boost the department’s notoriety, while talk about tariffs has made its subject matter all the more timely.

News

How Could the SAVE Act Impact Young Voters and Married People Who’ve Changed Their Name?

April 18th, 2025

BU political scientist Christine Slaughter says that changing the electoral process can deter people from the polls.

News

Guggenheim Fellowships Awarded to Six BU Researchers and Scholars

April 17th, 2025

Winners, recognized as “visionary scientists, scholars, writers, and artists,” will use honor to support work on artificial intelligence, space science, American history, and more.

News

BU Backs Lawsuit to Block Department of Energy Research Cuts

April 15th, 2025

University research on climate, wind energy, affordable fuel alternatives all at risk.

News

Resource Guide: Everything BU International Students and Faculty Need to Know Right Now

April 7th, 2025

Amid challenging times, Boston University is supporting its international community with resources and info ranging from visas to travel to their legal rights. “We are stronger because we come from so many different backgrounds and have different experiences,” President Melissa Gilliam says.

Events

Boston Globe 2025 Sustainability Summit

April 16th, 2025

United States Senator Ed Markey (Hon.’04, D-MA) spoke at the Boston Globe Sustainability Summit held in BU’s Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

News

Alum, a Former Peace Corps Leader, Fetes BU Pardee at 10th Anniversary Celebration

April 8th, 2025

Carrie Hessler-Radelet (CAS’79, Hon.’16) says global turmoil offers a chance to do foreign assistance better.