⬇️ Scroll down for info on a free LinkedIn workshop I’ll host next month.

Today’s issue was inspired by discussion on the National Organization of Research Development Professionals email listserv. This is Part 1 of a three-part series.

While it’s safe to say everyone in the research enterprise has been impacted by what’s going on in Washington, those who work on research topics that are now de facto prohibited from receiving federal funding have a very high level of concern and uncertainty about how to proceed.

For some PIs, their entire research portfolio may be directly related to those topics. For others, how their research may be affected remains unclear. Even if you are in this latter category, you may be wondering if you should proactively change what topics you plan to pursue.

In today’s newsletter, I’ll provide perspective to assist in strategy and in decisions around the direction of your research, given the climate of 2025.

Basic versus applied research

There’s always tension around fundamental (aka ‘basic’) vs. ‘applied’ research. Confusion can be introduced by policymakers, industry leaders, or others who don’t understand the difference between basic and applied, so we must acknowledge that many conversations about STEM investments are flawed from the start.

If the difference between the two is recognized, it’s helpful to realize the advantages and disadvantages of each. For example, if you are working on applied research:

It’s likely that the public will understand the value of your work without much context. For example, if your research is on battery performance, it’s not difficult for those from a range of sectors to get behind it since the payoffs are clear. Further, if you are in a ‘hot’ application area, more money can be directed to these topics, often quickly. These are advantages.

However, applications also fall out of favor. For example, if batteries are linked to clean energy, and supporting clean energy is not a priority, funding can dry up quickly. This is a disadvantage.

On the other hand, if you are performing basic research in electrochemistry, it may lead to ideas for new types of batteries, or to new energy-management solutions altogether. In this scenario, you may be able to stay under the radar if applications are under attack.

In basic research, you are also able to describe your research in different ways, all of which are true, when you talk about down-the-road applications. After all, fundamental new knowledge in electrochemistry will impact more than batteries.

However, it can be harder to convince the public and policymakers of the value of basic research. The statement I don’t see how this is benefiting society is often made. Many persons outside research don’t understand that the timescale of progress in basic research isn’t one that will turn out new widgets every year. Another disadvantage.

In reality, much research doesn’t fall neatly into either camp. Therefore, consider both the research you are engaged in now and what you may pursue in the future. Can you frame that research in a more basic way to stay under the radar? Many basic research proposals emphasize applications because the PI thinks that’s what a sponsor wants. If you have been doing that, it may be an easy enough habit to break if you do not feel very tied to applications.

In contrast, your research may be application-driven. We recently worked with a client whose career has been motivated by a quest for clean drinking water solutions. Realize that heavily application-driven research will be harder to reframe. It’s too early to give up on these ideas, so don’t do that. Some topics may need to go on hold, or you may want to pursue non-federal sources of support. We are still in a wait-and-see phase.

As you grow in your career, consider engaging in research along the technology readiness level (TRL) spectrum. Just like you can diversity your funders, you can benefit from diversification there as well.

Adapting to new administration priorities is a big topic, so over the next two weeks I’ll offer perspectives on (1) the outreach and education components of your research and (2) academic freedom, as they relate to decisions you will likely be facing in the months ahead.  

I’m offering a free LinkedIn workshop for researchers (including postdocs and students) and those with careers in the research enterprise. It’s geared towards those in higher education and government roles. There’re a few spots left. If you would like to join us on Zoom on Thursday, 3 April, 7:00 to 8:30 pm Eastern, send me an email at [email protected].

Are you a new assistant professor?

If you are new to the role of assistant professor or you are applying for these positions, check out the first in a series of videos on the critical mindset shifts you must make for success in your new role.

When you are ready, here’s how we can help

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

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