[IIGB_All] Federal Cuts Threaten Academic Research: Let’s Make Our Voices Heard

[IIGBadmin IIGBadmin]

Dear Colleagues,

Whether you currently have federal research funding, plan to apply for it,
or rely on the broader research infrastructure that federal funding
supports, you will be profoundly affected by the proposed cuts to U.S.
science agencies.

Now is the time to speak out. We will share a summary of the webinar below
with lawmakers, with the number (not the names) of attendees. If you
attend, you strengthen our case. If you don't, silence weakens it. This is
not just another event; this is our opportunity to be heard.

The proposed FY26 science budget marks a potential turning point in U.S.
science policy, one that could reshape the nation’s research landscape and
its role as a global leader in innovation.

According to the American University Institute for Macroeconomic & Policy
Analysis, a 25% cut in public R&D spending would reduce U.S. GDP by 3.8%
over the long term, a blow equivalent to the Great Depression. Halving
public R&D investment could reduce GDP by 7.6%, resulting in the average
American being $10,000 poorer.

And yet, this is what’s on the table:

1.   40% proposed cut to the NIH budget

2.   55% cut to the NSF budget, which would slash grant success rates from
26% to just 7%

3.   A proposed cap of 15% on facilities & administrative (F&A) costs,
which would make it nearly impossible for universities to support the
indirect costs of research

As someone who launched my career at UC Davis with simultaneous support
from NSF, NIH, USDA, and growers, I can’t imagine how early-career
researchers will survive, let alone thrive, under these conditions.

What can we do?

One step we must take is to raise our voices together.

Please join us for a national webinar titled:
*“Beyond the Headlines: The Invisible Power of Academic Research in
America”*
*Tuesday, July 1*, *1:00–3:00 p.m. PDT*
*Register is required; it I here:* *https://tinyurl.com/4krenb5k
<https://tinyurl.com/4krenb5k>*

This event will explore the 80-year partnership between the federal
government and U.S. research universities, one that has driven innovation,
health breakthroughs, national security, and economic growth.

Featured Participants Include:

Nobel Laureate Randy Schekman (confirmed)

Nobel Laureate Charles Rice (pending final confirmation)

Pre-recorded remarks from Nobel Laureates David Julius (UCSF) and Torsten
Wiesel (Rockefeller University)

Contributions from UC and non-UC faculty.

We have extended an invitation to a prominent congress member and are
awaiting confirmation. Regardless of their participation, we will share the
recorded webinar with their office.

Designated Questioners, including *LA Times* education reporter Jaweed
Kaleem, plus live audience questions via Zoom and YouTube chat

I sincerely hope to see many of you there on Tuesday.

All the best,

Walter Leal







*Walter S. Leal, Ph.D., FRES (Hon), FNAI*

Distinguished Professor, MCB, UC Davis

Phone: 530-752-7755


-- 

Respectfully,

IIGB Office



*Email: i <chantti.compay at ucr.edu>igbadmin at ucr.edu <igbadmin at ucr.edu>
| Useful Links <https://iigb.ucr.edu/department-resources>*
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