In Brief
TAKE ACTION: Agency Travel Suspension Leaves Researchers in Limbo
On January 22, the White House issued an immediate halt to all National Institutes of Health hiring, communications, public engagement and travel; this suspension has resulted in the cancellation of council meetings, study sections and presentations of intramural research and the promotion of extramural programs at scientific meetings indefinitely. Combined with the lack of a full fiscal year 2025 budget, the U.S.’s largest federal funder of basic and biomedical research is now at a standstill without the ability to present research or move forward with funding decisions for investigators.
Send a letter to the White House and Congress urging them to lift the suspension on travel for NIH researchers and staff at scientific meetings NOW!
Executive Orders from White House Leave Agencies and Researchers with Questions
As occurs with any transition of power in the White House, there are several bumps in the road to be overcome. With new agency leadership being confirmed, prior administration orders being reversed and new plans being put in place during the first days of an administration – a lot is up in the air. This holds particularly true in the first days of the Trump administration, with more than 300 Executive Orders being released since January 21. Impacted federal agencies are struggling to interpret and implement new orders accordingly. Currently, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) per a memo issued by the Department of Health and Human Services have suspended all travel and communications until at least February 1, with more guidance to follow.
On Monday of this week the White House Issued an order to freeze on all grant and loan payments until each agency conducts a full review of activities, programs and support to ensure they are in compliance with the host of Executive Orders issued last week, including the cessation of all diversity, equity and inclusion work.
- Monday, January 27 – the Office of Management and Budget issues memo M-25-13 outlining terms of freeze
- Tuesday, January 28 – court issues temporary injunction to halt implementation of the grant and loan freeze until a hearing on Monday, February 3 at 11:00am
- Wednesday, January 29 – OMB issues order rescinding M-25-13 and directs agency personnel to address questions to agency General Counsel
- Wednesday, January 29 – White House Press Secretary issues statement on X stating ‘This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented.”
We continue to monitor this situation and work with our fellow science organizations to determine the impact on key federal agencies and research grants.’
Annual Meeting Program: Sustainability in Scientific Research
The Public Affairs Committee and the Committee on Sustainability will host a joint session exploring public and private funding opportunities available to biophysicists conducting research involving sustainability. Join us for this new session exploring basic and biomedical scientific approaches impact public health, ecological, environmental, geological, geographic, and planetary-scale thinking. Join us for this session on Sunday, February 16, from 2:30 - 4:00 PM in Room 408B.
Annual Meeting Program: Artificial Intelligence Policy in Biomedical Research
New policies and regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) are emerging at a rapid pace in Washington, DC. Join a panel hosted by the Public Affairs Committee as we explore the impacts of White House Executive Orders on AI and pending legislative efforts impacting AI use in scientific research. Join us for this session on Monday, February 17, from 1:00 - 2:30 PM in Room 408A.