Waiting..

Dear Colleagues,

Last evening, January 27, The National Institutes of Health’s acting director announced the continuation of ongoing studies, such as clinical trials and a restart of new work on “mission-critical research.” But also at this time, “no new studies are being launched.” The agency expects to release additional guidance this week on parts of the communications freeze that has caused so much confusion with investigators at SPH and across the country. I expect the pause will be lifted soon. Last evening’s announcement included the suggestions that NIH workers can make plans for travel after 2/1/25, perhaps a suggestion of widening thaw, although hardly a return to life as usual. I also expect us all to remain anxious, and rightly so.

You may read the news and refresh your screen incessantly or you may be hiding from the latest. The last week alone included a deluge of executive actions concerning to matters of health. For those of you who may like to move quickly to action, members of AAAS are disseminating an anonymous survey on how scientists are impacted by the administration’s actions on agencies, including NIH. Please keep SPH and our BU Government Relations partners apprised as you learn about implications or proposed changes to grant terms if or when they occur.

The uncertainty frustrates us. The waiting for news is hard and uncomfortable. NIH, NSF and CDC are vital to our national research enterprise. Our frustration includes our fears about our work and livelihood. Like you, I am unnerved by all of this. Looking to the past for guidance: Congressional support has long been bipartisan for biomedical research.

I encourage faculty and staff to attend the 1/29 Zoom Discussion re: the Status of NIH Grants and the New Administration’s Anticipated Priorities for Higher Education with BU Vice President for Federal Relations, Jennifer Grodsky and Dr. Carrie Wolinetz of Lewis-Burke Associates.

For now, I hope we continue to generate the evidence that creates a healthier tomorrow. I hope we will continue to speak thoughtfully about issues of health. We will continue working with our colleagues across the world. If necessary, we will adapt.

Tomorrow, and the next day, I hope we continue to do what we do.

We are taking nothing for granted. We are closely monitoring the NIH communications and funding silence and we will work with our internal BU offices for guidance as it become available. When we know more, we will communicate with you as quickly as possible. 

Warm regards,

Michael Stein, M.D.
Dean ad interim