Uncertainty is part of the research landscape. Sometimes it’s political, sometimes financial, and often, it’s scientific. But it’s never stopped us before. As researchers, we don’t wait for clarity to begin; we move forward, test, refine, and build toward what’s next. 

Funding-related shifts; from grant cancellations to changes in F&A, have been front and center at our town halls this summer. These discussions reflect the complexity of sustaining a vibrant research ecosystem. Through our engagement with national organizations and ongoing participation in policy conversations like the FAIR model, we’re working to ensure that research institutions have a seat at the table and that the operational realities of research remain part of the dialogue. 

This week, I’m in Washington, D.C., meeting with national organizations and federal leaders to ensure the University of Utah has a voice in shaping those decisions. From public access policy to funding structures and regulatory shifts, we are advocating for a research system that is equitable, efficient, and built to last. 

Our research infrastructure is designed to do more than support, it’s built for alignment. Whether through the UURF Interdisciplinary Research Initiative, long-standing tools like the AVPR’s Desk, or internal funding mechanisms, these resources reflect a broader strategy to connect people, ideas, and systems across disciplines, sectors, and communities. 

So if things feel uncertain right now, know this: persistence is part of our DNA. We don’t pause because conditions aren’t perfect, we keep going because the work matters. Research is rarely linear; it demands resolve, iteration, and a willingness to adapt, especially when the path forward isn’t obvious. That mindset doesn’t just define science. It defines who we are. 

Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research