A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to cut medical research funding, a move that many scientists believe would harm patients and research jobs. The National Institutes of Health’s new policy aimed to reduce funding for indirect expenses related to medical research, such as clinical trials and basic lab research.
Several lawsuits were filed by 22 states and various organizations representing universities, hospitals, and research institutions to challenge the cuts, claiming they would cause irreparable harm. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley in Boston issued a preliminary injunction to halt the cuts while the legal proceedings continue.
The NIH typically awards around $35 billion in grants each year, covering both direct costs like salaries and supplies, as well as indirect costs for administrative and facility expenses. The Trump administration’s new policy aimed to cap indirect costs at a flat rate of 15%, in an effort to save the agency $4 billion annually.
However, universities and hospitals argued that indirect costs are essential for supporting research, including electricity, waste disposal, safety staff, and janitorial services. Under the previous policy, institutions negotiated these rates with the government, allowing for more flexibility in covering necessary expenses.
The ruling to block these cuts has been met with relief from the scientific community, who believe that maintaining adequate research funding is crucial for advancing medical discoveries and providing quality patient care. The legal battle over this issue is expected to continue as both sides present their arguments in court.
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