Recent presidential actions, including executive orders (EO), proclamations, and memorandums, may indicate changes in federal priorities, potentially affecting your current and pending projects funded by federal agencies or other sponsors. As federal agencies and sponsors adjust to these changes, we will keep you informed. Please see the latest update from Dr. Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research, on the federal funding landscape below.
February 7, 2025 | February 6, 2026 | February 4, 2025 | February 3, 2025 | February 1, 2025
January 30, 2025 | January 29, 2025 | January 28, 2025 | January 23, 2025
February 7, 2025 | 9:00PM
Message from University of Utah President Taylor Randall, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mitzi Montoya, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Dr. Bob Carter and Vice President for Research Dr. Erin Rothwell
In times of uncertainty, one thing remains clear: The power of research to illuminate the path forward.
The University of Utah is a community of thinkers and doers—people unafraid to cross boundaries and ask big questions. That spirit has never been more essential.
We are committed and have a variety of mechanisms to ensure that research at the University of Utah remains strong, even as we navigate policy changes like shifts in our F&A rate at NIH. The University of Utah is well positioned to navigate these changes with vision and resources.
Senior leadership is meeting multiple times a week to engage these shifts. We will also continue our VPR Townhalls every week moving forward on Tuesdays at 12 pm to ensure support and awareness for our research community. Our next meeting is this Tuesday, February 11th. At this meeting, we will provide updates on our advocacy efforts with the AAU, APLU and other organizations to support efforts to legal challenges.
Through past challenges—whether responding to COVID-19, securing research funding in shifting landscapes, or forging new collaborations—our community has remained resilient. We solve problems because they matter. From identifying the gene linked to breast cancer to developing software that protects wildland firefighters, our researchers take on the toughest challenges. And when policies shift, research continues. Because discovery doesn’t pause.
To those asking, “What should I do now?”—keep moving forward. Also, know we are committed to research and will ensure it remains one of our greatest assets. Keep imagining what’s possible. Research is one of our greatest assets, and we are committed to ensuring it remains a defining strength of this institution. The University of Utah has always been at the center of discovery, and together, we will continue to lead.
RSVP HERE
Link to APLU Statement
Statement from Association of American Universities
Link to Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates.
For ongoing updates, check out the Vice President for Research Updates on Federal Funding.

TOWNHALL
“Visioning Research Strategy Meeting”
When: Tuesday, February 11th
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm (MST)
RSVP HERE
We encourage all interested members of our research community to attend.
February 6, 2025 | 2:30PM
VPR Update: eRA Commons Automatic NCE Link Update Information Available
An update regarding eRA Commons has been posted on the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) website. Please visit OSP for details.
February 4, 2025 | 2:00PM
Today the VPR led a Town Hall, titled “Navigating the Next Research Frontier: Expectations and Opportunities.”
A copy of the presentation and link to the survey available here.
For the month of February, each Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 pm (MST), there will be a follow on discussion.
Meeting Link Here
On Tuesday, February 11th, from 12:00 – 1:30 pm (MST), there will be a “Visioning Research Strategy Meeting”
RSVP HERE
February 3, 2025 | 12:00PM
The Office of the Vice President for Research presents a new video message from Dr. Erin Rothwell on Supporting Our Research Community
February 1, 2025 | 10:00AM
American Council on Education Webinar Next Week:
dotEDU: New Orders and New Challenges for Higher Education
On February 4th, 2025, the American Council on Education (ACE) is hosting a Webinar on New Orders and New Challenges for Higher Education, from 2:15 – 3:00 pm (MST).
Join dotEDU hosts Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer for another special episode of dotEDU Live to learn about what executive orders have been rescinded, what new ones have been issued, and what Congress is working on.
Register today and submit your questions in advance, tweet them to @ACEducation, or ask them during the live event.
Or, dial: | US: +1 253 205 0468 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 |
Webinar ID: | 988 4632 7184 |
dotEDU Live: Navigating Trump’s First Week
Aired January 22, 2025
Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer broke down the early days of the Trump administration’s second term and its impact on higher education. With 28 executive orders (EOs) already issued—many targeting DEI, immigration, and gender policies—the hosts analyzed what changed, what stayed the same, and what’s likely to face legal challenges.
Key topics include new executive actions on immigration that could affect international and undocumented students, the administration’s sweeping approach to DEI restrictions, and the implications for federal grant programs. They also discussed how colleges and universities can respond strategically in an uncertain policy environment and what ACE is doing to advocate for higher education.
January 30, 2025 | 3:00PM
OMB Memo (M-25-13) Rescinded
On January 29th, 2025, the OMB Memo (M-25-13) was officially rescinded
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, emailed the following statement after the retraction of the funding memo:
“In light of the injunction, OMB has rescinded the memo to end any confusion on federal policy created by the court ruling and the dishonest media coverage. The executive orders issued by the president on funding reviews remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented by all agencies and departments. This action should effectively end the court case and allow the government to focus on enforcing the president’s orders on controlling federal spending. In the coming weeks and months, more executive action will continue to end the egregious waste of federal funding.”
The VPR website has an Updates page for relevant updates and information, to keep our research community up to date as executive actions continue to shape federal funding policies in the coming weeks and months.
We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we navigate these evolving federal funding policies. While the rescission of the OMB memo has clarified certain aspects, the executive orders remain in effect, and we will continue to monitor their implementation closely. Our team remains committed to providing timely updates and support as new developments arise. Thank you for your dedication and perseverance during this period of transition.
Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President of Research
January 29, 2025 | 10:00AM
Following our update on the recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo (M-25-13) that called for a temporary pause on federal financial assistance programs, we are updating the U research community based on the latest developments.
Key Updates:
Temporary Block: District of Columbia Federal judge Loren AliKhan temporarily blocked the order, until February 3rd, 2025, when a more permanent decision will be issued.
Funding Agency Communication: Several funding agencies have issued communications with direct guidance. We are closely monitoring this guidance, using it as the basis of our response.
Agency-Specific Updates: The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) will send agency-specific information directly to Principal Investigators (PIs). Please look for agency-specific OSP messages and respond accordingly.
Multi-Funder Projects: If your research involves multiple funders, you will receive guidance for each funding agency.
OSP Support: For questions or clarification regarding agency directives, we encourage dialogue with your assigned OSP Officer. You can find a list of OSP officers here.
- Two-page clarification link to the recent OMB memo
- Be familiar with the Impoundment Control Act of 1974
- Question: Is impoundment the same as cancellation? Short answer: No.
January 28, 2025 | 1:00PM
We recognize the concerns stemming from the recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum (M-25-13), which calls for a temporary pause on federal financial assistance programs, including grant disbursements and new awards, effective January 28th, 2025 at 5:00pm EST. This directive applies to all federal agencies and is part of an effort to align federal spending with theAdministration’s stated priorities.
As Utah’s leading public research institution and a distinguished R1 university, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance research, foster innovation, and drive solutions that improve lives locally and globally. University of Utah leadership is actively engaging with the State, federal agencies and other key stakeholders to ensure the voices and needs of our research community are heard.
We understand that this temporary measure may create uncertainty forresearchers and institutions reliant on federal support. The University of Utah is committed to:
Federal funding sustains cutting-edge research, workforce development, and economic growth in Utah and across the nation. We are closely monitoring developments, assessing the impact on our research community, and preparing for any adjustments that may be necessary to maintain our momentum.
Our commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and collaboration remains unwavering, and we will continue to advocate for the resources and stability required to fulfill this mission.
Thank you for your perseverance and dedication during this time of adjustment. Together, we will navigate these changes and continue the important work ofadvancing knowledge and innovation.
For ongoing updates and information please visit here.
Sincerely,
Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research
Open House Meeting from APLU TODAY:
On New OMB Directive Freezing Programs and Loans
Zoom meeting today, January 28th, from 1 – 2 pm (MST). Link to themeeting below, for those that want to register to attend (or listen to later):
Late yesterday, OMB released a directive to federal agencies, directing a “temporary pause [on] all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders…” The freeze is effective tomorrow at 5pm ET (3pm MST). The freeze includes a pause on all activities “associated with open NOFOs, such as conducting merit review panels.” Agencies are further instructed to among other actions, cancel awards already awarded that are in conflict with Administration priorities. During the “temporary pause,” agencies are instructed to complete a comprehensive analysis of their programs and identify those that maybe be implicated by President Trump’s executive orders, reporting such to OMB by February 10. The directive does not apply to federal assistance provided directly to individuals.
Join us on Zoom today as Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Heidi Tseu from ACE’s Government Relations and National Engagement team host a members-only, post-inauguration discussion of the new Trump administration and Congress and what they mean for higher education. Hear expert perspectives and ask our presenters your questions during this one-hour program.
If you can’t attend today, APLU will email a recording link to all registrants afterward.
COGR has put together a good resource with all available agency memos on the presidential transition.
January 23, 2025 | 4:00PM
Dear Colleagues,
Please share this message within your respective college or department.
We understand the recent concerns regarding federal funding agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While the situation may feel uncertain and take time to unfold, we encourage patience and optimism. As Utah’s leading public research institution and a distinguished R1 university, we remain steadfast in advancing research, fostering innovation, and supporting education, workforce development and clinical care to improve lives locally and globally.
University of Utah leadership is proactively engaging with leaders to stay informed and ensure the needs of our research community are heard during this time of adjustment. Transitions between Administrations often include a temporary “pause” in federal funding decisions. This is a routine part of the process as new political staff settle into their roles, review existing programs and evaluate priorities. While this Administration’s pause may be broader in scope than in previous transitions, it reflects a common and expected step in assessing agency goals and procedures.
We know that these pauses can create ambiguity, particularly for researchers and institutions relying on federal funding. Please know that the University of Utah is committed to supporting our research community through these transitions. We are closely monitoring developments, advocating on behalf of our researchers and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Our dedication to advancing research excellence, fostering innovation, and creating impactful solutions remains as strong as ever. Thank you for your perseverance and commitment as we continue this important work together.
Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research