ASH is collecting feedback from its members about the impact of federal cuts and layoffs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and delays in the release of research funds. ASH’s advocacy team is sharing these stories with lawmakers and other stakeholders so that they understand the impact of the decisions being made in Washington. Here’s what some survey respondents had to say.
Robert Negrin, MD, Professor of Medicine, Stanford University; President-Elect, ASH: “We have had a highly successful P01 grant that has led to many novel insights, completed trials, and FDA approvals. Our grant has received a very favorable score, but we have not received word on funding and there is little input on timelines. Our experience seems to be consistent with others, where delays and limited information are the norm. This is extremely unsettling and makes it very difficult to manage our teams.”
Shannon McKinney-Freeman, PhD, Hematology Researcher; Chair of ASH Scientific Committee on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine: “What is currently happening is creating tremendous uncertainty. No one has any idea what the funding climate will be in three months, 12 months, or two years. This makes it impossible to plan our research programs and, importantly, recruit new staff and trainees. It is not inappropriate to think of an academic laboratory as a small business. We have to plan, and we have to hire talented staff and trainees to advance the research. If we cannot plan, the business suffers, science does not advance, and jobs are not created. Everyone is buckling down to protect our current staff and trainees, leading new American graduates into the job market — including new PhD graduates — with shrinking options for employment.”
Lisa Baumann Kreuziger, Versiti Blood Research Institute: “Grants are being flagged for use of several terms, including ‘pregnant people,’ ‘women,’ and ‘female.’ Researchers are spending time policing language instead of their science. This will further discourage research into women’s health and exacerbate disparities.”
Senior Investigator at a U.S. Medical School: “I have much uncertainty about how years three to seven of my existing R35 will be funded. If NIH’s budget is really cut by the amount the administration is requesting from Congress, I am braced for much more than a 10% budget cut to my R35 next year. If so, I will have to lay people off and attempt to do less research.”
All ASH members are encouraged to share their stories and consider other ways they can support the future of hematology. Visit the #Fight4Hematology Action Hub to learn more and see how you can help.
