University faces funding cuts: Scientists concerned

Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, is facing a serious financial challenge. The Trump administration has proposed major cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These cuts could significantly reduce the amount of money available for research. Many universities across the country are worried about losing essential funding. Duke is preparing for a tough financial situation as it relies heavily on NIH grants to support its research programs.

Duke could lose hundreds of Millions in research grants

The university received $580 million in NIH grants last year, making it one of the top research universities in the nation. It ranked 11th in research funding among U.S. institutions. A legal case has temporarily blocked the cuts, but universities are already taking precautions. Many are freezing hiring, reducing research projects, and making emergency plans in case the funding disappears. If the cuts move forward, Duke could struggle to keep its research programs running as they are now.

Federal government supports research costs

The federal government helps cover the costs of university research. It provides funding not only for experiments but also for operational expenses like utilities, lab equipment, and facility maintenance. Currently, Duke’s indirect cost reimbursement rate is 61%. However, the Trump administration wants to lower this rate to just 15%. This massive reduction would mean universities would have to find new ways to pay for essential expenses. If the proposal is approved, Duke and other institutions may have to cut back on critical research due to a lack of funds.

NIH grant approvals have dropped sharply

The NIH has already slowed down the approval of new grants. In January, it delayed the review process for many applications. The impact is clear at Duke. In early 2024, the university received 166 NIH grant notices. So far in 2025, that number has dropped to just 64. The slowdown in funding has made it difficult for researchers to plan new projects and keep their current studies moving forward.

Duke’s Medical School feels the impact

Duke’s School of Medicine is one of the hardest-hit areas. It receives most of the university’s NIH funding. Now, planned expansion projects have been put on hold. The school is also accepting fewer Ph.D. students because of financial concerns. Many researchers are worried about the future of their projects. Without stable funding, some may have to shut down their labs, leaving important medical research unfinished.

Trump Administration defends cuts

The Trump administration argues that indirect costs, such as building maintenance and administrative salaries, are too high. It claims that reducing these costs could save over $4 billion a year. A White House spokesperson, Kush Desai, said the goal is to cut government waste and use more money directly for scientific research. However, many researchers and university leaders believe these cuts will do more harm than good. They say that without indirect funding, research institutions cannot function properly.

For decades, NIH funding has helped scientists develop life-saving treatments. Duke professor Donald McDonnell, who specializes in pharmacology and cancer biology, says his lab has received up to $40 million from the NIH. His research has contributed to FDA-approved cancer treatments. If funding gets cut, he fears that maintaining essential lab equipment and staff will become impossible. Many other researchers share the same concern. Without proper funding, future medical discoveries will likely face delays or disappear.

Universities may struggle to find alternative sources

Last year, Duke’s total research budget was $1.33 billion, with $863 million coming from federal grants. If NIH cuts its funding, researchers will have to look elsewhere for financial support. Private donors and philanthropic organizations could help, but they typically provide much smaller amounts. Duke Vice Dean of Medicine Geeta Swamy warns that relying on private funding alone is not a realistic solution. The university may have to scale back many research projects if federal money is reduced.

New rofessor’s neurosurgery research could be delayed

Incoming Duke professor Nanthia Suthana specializes in neurosurgery and biomedical engineering. Her research focuses on studying brain activity and developing treatments for neurological conditions. She is in the process of building a new lab, but the funding uncertainty has put her plans at risk. If NIH cuts her grants, she may have to reduce the scale of her research, limiting the potential impact of her work on medical advancements.

Duke’s medical school is already adjusting its admissions process due to the funding crisis. Last year, it accepted around 130 Ph.D. students. This year, it may take in only 100 or fewer. With fewer students, class sizes will shrink, and fewer future researchers will enter the medical field. Beth Sullivan, who oversees the school’s biomedical Ph.D. programs, says these changes could have long-term effects on medical research and innovation.

Third-year doctoral student Caleb McIver had hoped to receive an NIH diversity grant. These grants help support minority students in science and medical research. However, with fewer grants available, McIver is now looking for alternative funding. Losing diversity programs could make it harder for underrepresented students to continue their education and contribute to medical research.

Construction delays and potential job losses add to Duke’s financial worries

Duke planned to build a new research facility, but those plans are now on hold. The university is also reviewing smaller projects to see if they remain affordable. If indirect cost reimbursements drop too much, Duke could be forced to lay off staff. Researchers and university employees worry about the future. Without enough funding, the university may struggle to maintain its current workforce and research capabilities.

Vice Dean Colin Duckett was once focused on recruiting top scientific talent. Now, his job is all about crisis management. He is working hard to find ways to keep Duke’s research programs running despite the financial uncertainty. The university is trying to prepare for possible budget cuts, but the situation remains uncertain. Researchers, students, and university leaders are hoping for a solution that will allow Duke to continue its important work in medical and scientific research.