In Support of Research
February 11, 2025
Dear Members of the Boston University Community:
As you may have seen in the news, last Friday the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new policy that would cut research funding for facilities and administration costs. As researchers ourselves, we share your concerns about this announcement from the NIH and its potential implications. We want to assure you that the University is moving quickly to assess the impact of this news on our research and taking the steps necessary to support our community and respond thoughtfully and effectively.
Yesterday, three lawsuits — including one from the Association of American Universities (AAU), an association of leading research universities in North America — were filed in federal court for the District of Massachusetts, seeking an injunction against this new NIH policy that limits indirect cost reimbursement for NIH research studies to 15 percent. As an AAU member on whose behalf the case was filed, we strongly support this case.
As of last evening, the court had ruled on two of the lawsuits, granting a temporary restraining order preventing the implementation of the limit nationwide.
The funding that Boston University receives from the NIH supports critical and cutting-edge medical research that helps improve human health and save lives. At BU, the NIH has supported the Framingham Heart Study, one of the leading studies in understanding cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, as well as impactful research that has led to better outcomes for patients struggling with cancer, pulmonary disease, Alzheimer’s, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
The changes proposed by the NIH and the very brief timeline for their implementation could have a seriously adverse effect on these operations and many others. Boston University is committed to supporting the groundbreaking work being done by our researchers in labs across our campuses and around the world, and we want you to know this remains a top priority for us as an institution.
Of course, the impact of these proposed changes would be felt far beyond our own campus. Not only could this policy have real ramifications on research projects that improve human life, but it could also affect the United States’ standing in the global scientific community. Our nation has a long history of our government working closely with our colleges and universities — this partnership is why the United States has long been the world’s leader in furthering groundbreaking scientific research. It is crucial that this relationship remains strong.
As with other recent federal research program changes, the situation is evolving quickly, and we are committed to keeping our community informed. We have been in regular communication with our researchers as new policy changes have been announced and will continue to provide updates and FAQs on the Office of Research website.
We are grateful to be a part of a community of people who have the compassion to devote their lives to helping others, and the talent and expertise to create real, positive change through their work.
Your commitment to advancing knowledge and discovery makes us all stronger. Know that we are here to support you every step of the way and that we will continue to advocate on behalf of research excellence at Boston University.
Sincerely,
Melissa Gilliam, President
Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Thomas Bifano, Vice President and Associate Provost Ad Interim for Research
* 2/11/25 This message was sent to students, faculty, and staff.