The National Institutes of Health (NIH) canceled key research meetings without explanation, leaving scientists concerned. This follows a memo from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) directing agencies like NIH to halt external communications until reviewed by a presidential appointee.
The NIH, which funds over $40 billion in biomedical research annually, relies on “study sections” to determine research priorities. Dr. Chrystal Starbird, a UNC Chapel Hill cancer researcher, shared that her study section was abruptly canceled, with no clear rescheduling plan.
HHS staffers revealed that job offers and travel have also been suspended, raising fears about disruptions to critical research and public health updates, including COVID-19 tracking. Concerns are heightened due to prior political interference during Trump’s first term.
The freeze on communications and travel is set to last until February 1, but the lack of clarity has left scientists frustrated.
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