Scientists warn of long-term damage as Trump's orders slow research
Source: Washington Post
February 22, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. EST
Vaughn Cooper, a microbiologist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, was elated last October when his proposal to study the microbes that colonize catheters received an outstanding score from a panel of experts convened by the National Institutes of Health. Cooper and his collaborator, Chelsie Armbruster at the University of Buffalo, hoped to improve treatments for people, particularly the elderly, who develop urinary tract infections after prolonged catheter use.
A high score from the expert panel meant their grant application was almost certain to be funded by NIH. But then Donald Trump returned to the White House, and following a rash of executive orders, Cooper is today in the same position as thousands of scientists across the country: stymied, uncertain, on hold.
NIH advisers have been unable to meet and recommend funding for research grants like Cooper’s because the Trump administration has blocked the agency’s ability to announce meetings in the Federal Register, despite a judge’s temporary ruling that ordered resumption of funding. Such Federal Register notices are required before these advisory councils can meet or reschedule.
“This really feels like an evil way of using bureaucracy against the process of science, to the contrary of what they say they are doing — streamlining bureaucracy,” Cooper said. Biomedical research in America hasn’t been halted outright. But the Trump administration’s interference with the most routine operations of the world’s premier funder of that work has gummed up the system for selecting and funding new science projects.
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2025/02/22/trump-research-nih-federal-register/
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