This is a good time to review the research funding landscape because, once again, there is concerning news for federally funded research at universities.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed changes in federal grant rules that could negatively affect our enterprise. Proposed changes could affect merit-based review, support for publication costs and conference attendance, and could make it easier to terminate awarded grants.

We have already experienced significant changes to programs, research areas, institutions and individual researchers. But there is another impact that can result from an extended period of instability. Even when your own research has not been directly affected, the accumulation of uncertainty can create confusion and discouragement that makes it harder to keep moving.

This impact is especially troubling if you are already working under pressure. Proposal writing is difficult under normal conditions – requiring focus, persistence and belief in the possibility of success. When you are writing proposals and also reading about possible changes to the funding system itself, it is only natural to feel discouraged.

However, these rules are proposed, not finalized. They are open for public comment.

Some scientific and advocacy organizations have already released guidance explaining what the proposed changes could mean and how researchers can submit comments. I encourage you to look at the professional societies and organizations most relevant to your discipline to see what guidance they are providing. For example, the Geological Society of America has shared information on how modified rules could affect fieldwork, which is critical for earth and environmental science.

Across many disciplines and types of institutions, people are advocating for values that make the research enterprise work:

But there is another imperative that matters for individual PIs, especially early-career faculty: You must keep going.

Do not minimize what is happening or refuse to acknowledge that PIs can be affected by decisions that are beyond their ability to control.

We must recognize that we are in a prolonged period of uncertainty and, for some, this period may overlap with the most important years of their faculty careers.

Guidance to stay the course has generally been the correct approach. Proposals are still being evaluated, PIs are receiving notices of accepted proposals, and funds are being obligated. The system is under stress but it is still functioning.

For faculty, your personal momentum is a priority. A loss of six months or a year to discouragement can be costly, especially while you are still building your research program, funding record, and relationships with agencies and program officers.

Remember that activities like clarifying your ideas as you develop a proposal are not wasted. Networking and dialogues with funders are not wasted. Even if priorities shift, your having developed your own ideas and built connections will continue to serve you well. 

When proposed changes are announced, it is easy to jump to the worst-possible version of what might happen. While understandable, that is not always best for near-term decisions about your own proposal strategies.

As of now, the changes under discussion are proposed changes that might not be implemented in their current forms. If some are implemented, the actual timing and details will matter. Your institution, professional societies, and Research Office will continue to interpret what they mean for submissions and awards.

While the current environment is concerning, a practical question for today is, how should you allocate your time this summer?

For most, this continues to mean developing your ideas, monitoring agency and institutional guidance, speaking with program officers when appropriate and continuing to submit proposals where there is a real fit.

The research community must continue to respond to threats to the system. But individual researchers should also be careful not to interpret every new threat as a reason to stop moving.

Your work matters, your career matters, and you matter as a person. There is a large community of people who want to see you continue, succeed, and get through this period, myself included.

I recorded a short video to go with this week’s newsletter because I wanted to speak more directly to the discouragement many researchers are feeling right now. The current research funding environment is stressful, but your work still matters and your momentum still matters. If you are feeling worn down by the uncertainty, I hope this gives you a reminder to keep moving.

Need to get your research funded, this year? Check out our 12-week program to get you there.

Check out our storefront where you can access our free Unlocking DOD Funding for University Researchers course and other resources, including for faculty applicants.

Ready to book a call to discuss how our program can support faculty at your institution? Let’s chat!