The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently announced a plan to cap indirect costs for new and existing grants at 15% of the money it awards for direct costs. This proposal, currently paused by a federal judge due to legal challenges, has sent ripples of concern through research institutions across the United States, including prestigious universities like Johns Hopkins. Indirect costs, which currently range between 30 and 70 percent of each grant's direct costs, are essential for maintaining the infrastructure that supports groundbreaking research. The proposed budget cuts could significantly impact the operational capabilities of these institutions, leading to potential layoffs and causing researchers and administrators to question the future viability of their work.
Pamela Canaday, a senior systems engineer at Oregon Health & Science University, plays a crucial role in supporting biomedical research labs by operating flow cytometry machines. These machines, vital for analyzing cell samples, vary in size from that of a microwave to a refrigerator. Canaday, with over 20 years of experience, highlights the intricate nature and importance of her role.
“I’ve never thought of my job as something that is not essential for basic research,” – Pamela Canaday
She emphasizes the potential consequences if the support infrastructure were to falter due to funding cuts.
“If the flow cytometry core, or any other shared resource lab, can no longer help labs do their analysis … then research is going to come screeching to a halt.” – Pamela Canaday
At Emory University, Blake Cowing works as a pre-award administrator, facilitating the preparation of research proposals for agencies such as NIH. He describes the complexity of these applications.
“An entire application is typically over 100 pages.” – Blake Cowing
Cowing juggles up to 15 proposals simultaneously, underscoring the demanding nature of his role. He shares concerns about the potential loss of funding and its far-reaching implications.
“Any number of mistakes can jeopardize that research project.” – Blake Cowing
“It would just be a huge impact on those economies.… Countrywide, the implications are pretty stark for a very sudden cut of this magnitude,” – Blake Cowing
Nate Klingenstein, a senior systems engineer at Johns Hopkins University, manages essential computer applications for medical personnel. He warns that the proposed NIH budget cuts could lead to a significant reduction in staff at Johns Hopkins.
“There are a lot of people, both administrative and lab people, who work together to make research possible,” – Nate Klingenstein
“And if we can’t have a good support team … then research isn’t going to be able to happen.” – Nate Klingenstein
Klingenstein also stresses the broader societal benefits derived from indirect costs, which support unseen yet vital roles in research institutions.
“While indirect costs and staff may be totally invisible, and while the discoveries of our researchers may not be immediately appreciated, the ultimate benefit to society is incredible,” – Nate Klingenstein
The NIH's distribution of over $35 billion in grants in fiscal year 2023 included approximately $9 billion allocated for indirect costs. These funds are crucial for covering expenses such as facility maintenance and administrative support—services that ensure researchers can focus on their scientific endeavors without logistical hindrances.
Canaday provides insight into the specialized nature of her work with flow cytometry machines.
“The most exciting thing is when we get to align the lasers, and then we get to open up the instruments and put on our special safety glasses, take out our tools and try to align the lasers so that they’re hitting the cells in the optimal manner,” – Pamela Canaday
Her expertise underscores how integral specialized knowledge is for sustaining high-quality research outputs.
“You could probably hire somebody else for half of what I’m getting paid, but they wouldn’t be able to provide the same services,” – Pamela Canaday
Cowing points out that even with current funding levels, many universities operate their research activities at a financial loss.
“Even with universities getting the full rate that they’ve negotiated, they’re still operating [research activities] at a loss,” – Blake Cowing
This highlights the precarious balance these institutions maintain between funding and operational efficiency.
The federal judge's decision to pause NIH's payment-cutting policy reflects ongoing legal battles initiated by states, universities, and organizations serving research institutions. The outcome remains uncertain, but stakeholders hope for resolutions that will sustain the robust framework supporting scientific discovery.
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