From life-saving medical breakthroughs and tech startups to education and national security, research drives meaningful progress. But as recent reports show, pulling back on research funding now could mean fewer discoveries, slower progress, and lost opportunities for the next generation.
The Costs of Cutting
A new report from the Institute for Progress, The Costs of Cutting Federal Funding for Scientific Research, outlines how recent federal budget caps and targeted cuts could have long-term consequences. The report details how research programs often suffer disproportionately during budget reductions, and that seemingly minor shortfalls can disrupt research pipelines, limit early-career opportunities, and slow progress in critical areas such as healthcare, energy, and national security.
“Federal research funding doesn’t just support laboratories—it supports lives and ideas,” said Dr. Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research at the University of Utah. “At the U, these investments fuel breakthroughs in healthcare, energy, national defense, and technology—they also support the arts, humanities, and social sciences, helping us understand and improve the human experience. When funding is cut, it stalls progress, disrupts careers, and slows our ability to solve real-world problems. Sustained research investment is one of the clearest paths to a stronger economy and a healthier, more connected society.”
Global Competition and the Innovation Gap
Meanwhile, a report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) shows that the U.S. no longer dominates the global research landscape. Twenty years ago, the U.S. led in 50 of 54 critical technologies. Today, that number has dropped to just 7 of 64.
“We’re seeing a clear shift in global leadership—and it’s not because U.S. researchers are falling behind in talent or ideas. It’s because other nations are investing at a scale that matches the urgency of innovation,” said Bruce Hunter, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Utah. “If we want to lead in biotech, semiconductors, AI, or advanced manufacturing, we need to treat research like the strategic asset it is.”
R&D as an Economic Engine
A third report, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, offers perhaps the strongest economic rationale for public R&D investment. Using long-term data, the paper shows that federal research spending has a unique multiplier effect, generating downstream innovation in the private sector and improving national productivity.
“Federal research funding doesn’t just lead to new discoveries—it creates jobs, strengthens industries, and positions Utah to compete in a global innovation economy. The ripple effects are real: from startups spun out of university labs to skilled graduates powering our workforce,” said Jim Hotaling, Associate Vice President for Innovation and Translation. “Investing in R&D is one of the smartest strategies we have for building long-term economic resilience.”
What This Means for the U
At the University of Utah, federally funded research supports everything from breakthrough cancer trials and clean energy development to AI-enhanced healthcare tools and entrepreneurship programs for students. Those benefits don’t stay in the lab—they spark new companies, create jobs, drive medical advances, and strengthen Utah’s global connections. This ripple effect doesn’t happen by accident—it’s supported by strategic investments that keep innovation moving, even in times of uncertainty.
“At the Office of the Vice President for Research, our mission is to find science-based, human-centered solutions for real-world problems,” said Dr. Jake Jensen, Associate Vice President for Research. “That means investing in the systems, services, and support that help researchers do their best work—even in uncertain times. We build bridges so the impact of our research is better understood, more clearly felt, and widely requested.”
This commitment to infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration ensures that research at the U doesn’t stop when funding shifts. Instead, it adapts—powered by a university-wide culture of innovation and a growing network of strategic partners across Utah and beyond.
Research isn’t a cost—it’s a catalyst. It drives innovation, strengthens economies, and shapes the future we all share. At the University of Utah, we remain committed to turning public investment into public impact. Now is the time to act—with unity, urgency, and a shared belief that research shapes a stronger, smarter, and more resilient future for us all.