Trump’s NIH Crackdown: Scientists Fear a Dark Age for Research
The Trump administration abruptly halted NIH grant review panels and imposed a broad communication blackout across HHS, impacting agencies like the NIH, FDA, and CDC. This pause affects billions of dollars in research funding, delaying crucial studies on diverse topics ranging from cancer to the opioid crisis. The disruption also includes the suspension of advisory council meetings, further hindering the approval of new research grants. Researchers express deep concern about the impact on scientific progress, the loss of valuable expertise, and the potential negative consequences for patient care. The long-term effects of this freeze remain uncertain, but significant delays and a chilling effect on scientific endeavors are anticipated.
John Q. Hosedrinker