Federal money for medical research in Oregon in limbo
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Almost half a billion dollars could be at risk in Oregon if President Trump cuts federal funding for health and science research.
Why it matters: Trump's executive orders effectively freezing some public health and science work leave the future of local research into diseases like AIDS, cancer and dementia up in the air.
Between the lines: The pause on research funding stems from separate executive orders from the whole-of-government grant freeze implemented, then quickly rescinded, last week.
Driving the news: National Science Foundation (NSF) grant reviews and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for new projects are at least temporarily paused as both agencies seek clarity on Trump's recent moves.
- Some review time is normal during presidential transitions, and it's possible that both agencies' work will eventually continue more or less as normal.
- But it's also possible that some projects will be rejected that might have been funded during previous administrations, especially given Trump's criticisms of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) efforts, green energy and more.
By the numbers: In fiscal year 2024, the NSF and NIH allocated $114,000 per 1,000 residents to Oregon universities, research institutions, and other health and science organizations.
- In total, the state received more than $484 million in federal health and science research funding.
Zoom in: The majority of those funds, some $277 million, went to Oregon Health & Science University, which uses the money for research into some of society's most intractable diseases.
- The University of Oregon and Oregon State University also received big chunks of funding, around $40 million and $21 million, respectively.