It was just days into the new Administration when Executive Orders with major impacts on federal funding were signed. It wasn’t long before news of cancellations of NIH study sections and NSF panels appeared on our feeds. At a time when winning funding is already challenging, the idea of even more obstacles is demoralizing.

It may help to view what’s happening now within this context: (1) Many programs are on hold so they can be evaluated under the new Administration’s priorities; (2) Some programs have been, and more are likely to be, cancelled; and yet (3) New opportunities related to the Administration’s priorities may emerge.

Here are some things to keep in mind as the situation continues to evolve:

• It will take time to learn how any instructions will play out. There are too many uncertainties to list here, but a major one is related to legal challenges that could prevent or delay changes. Another is learning how the instructions will be implemented: will cuts be targeted to programs with well-defined focuses like diversity or clean energy, or will they affect research funding more broadly? The fact is, it takes time to sort out even much smaller changes within even a single organization, so patience is required.

• Trust our civil servants to do their jobs. Yes, dealing with government agencies can be slow and frustrating, including for their own workers. However, to my point about patience, there are often valid reasons for what we call red tape. A bureaucracy creates inertia, which protects institutions from being too strongly affected by political swings in any direction.

• Another impact of the Executive Orders will be the cost in time and paperwork required from those within government. Example: employees may be required to review and sort active projects. This will reduce the time they have to interact with those outside their organization, including responding to emails. Still, don’t stop your outreach; have patience if it takes longer than usual to get a response. I can assure you that staff at our science and engineering funding organizations are still doing everything they can to support the work you do. Stay cool.

• This is the time when having built relationships with funders and other government scientists and engineers can pay off. If you’ve been following my recommendations to build those relationships before they are needed, you will be more likely to reach your contacts and receive information that’s specific to the awards or programs that affect you directly.

• When you speak with agency staff, remember that they are under pressure, too. When stressed, it’s easy to think only of oneself. For example, when a shutdown is possible, it’s common for funders to receive inquiries from PIs about the next obligation on an award -- something that could have implications for the continuity of work in your lab. Still, when you interact with funders, don’t be afraid to ask them how they are doing during this period.

• On shutdowns, remember that the government is operating under a Continuing Resolution, so agencies are still waiting for the remainder of their Fiscal Year 2025 funds, affecting some new starts. My point is that these organizations work in a constant state of making adjustments and, while the current situation adds another layer of complexity, most agency leadership are skilled in managing uncertainty and making things work through challenging periods.

• Now is an excellent time to improve your communication skills. See our video below on communicating research impact for guidance here. Funders will report on the projects they are supporting and do binning exercises. Because basic research findings will have many down-the-road applications, be sure you communicate clearly about what your research will accomplish and its expected payoffs. In the title of any new submission, for example, state what you will do in plain language, rather than using buzzwords. Even a multi-million-dollar effort can be reduced to one bullet on a slide, and now is the time when this is likely to happen.

• Further, be ready to quickly communicate new ideas, should the opportunity arise. Funds that were intended to support one program may be redirected to another, and new programs may be created. If you’re asked for ideas by a funder, lean towards sending a short paragraph or a few bullets rather than a 3-5 pager. In some cases, information must be gathered and decisions made quickly. Don’t be part of any delays.

• If you are asked by a funder to provide information on an award, give them exactly what they are asking for. They may need a summary in a more accessible format than what you provided in the proposal. If you don’t, the funder may need to write something for you. That might not sound like a lot of work, but that person may need dozens of these summaries. No one understands the importance and impact of your work better than you do.

• On campus, reach out to your Research Office with questions or concerns. Some institutions will let PIs go relatively far into the red on active efforts, while others require that large amounts are obligated before you can even hire one undergraduate. If funds are significantly delayed, you can expect that support from institutions will vary greatly. Now is a good time to keep an eye on Research Office communications so you do not miss anything important. Also, communicate your concerns to your leadership. When raising issues or concerns, consider doing so via email so you create a record.

• If during the months ahead, concern is expressed about any international collaborations or other topics related to security, remember that an award is made from the government to the institution. An award is not the result of an agreement between a PI and a government employee. If you are ever uncertain about security-related issues, ask your employer for guidance. And, check out resources from groups like Asian American Scholar Forum.

Closing Thoughts

It's normal to feel uncertain and anxious at a time like this. My wish for you is that you understand that you are supported by your colleagues in academia and government; it’s just that their voices aren’t spoken as loudly as others at the moment. The long hours and painstaking work you and your students do may not get the recognition it deserves, but its importance is not diminished by anything happening right now. Anyone who has worked in the research enterprise knows that the work you do provides the foundation for progress and the security and welfare of our nation. Keep doing that great work, and this too shall pass.

Communicating Research Impact

With everything going on this week, it’s a good time to revisit the topic of communicating research impact so others can easily understand the value that comes from your research. Check out this video where I walk you through some examples of how funded PIs approached this.

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

Need to get your research funded, this year? Check out our 10-week program to get you there.

Ready to book a call to discuss our program or to have Dr. Barzyk provide training at your institution? Let’s chat!