Jan. 28: Federal transition and research updates

Dear Research & Innovation community members,

As you are undoubtedly aware, the transition to a new federal administration is bringing a rapid succession of Executive Orders, guidance memos and other changes that are resulting in disruptions, uncertainty and concern across our community.

I am writing to reassure you that CU leadership is monitoring these announcements, assessing impacts and planning next steps as expeditiously as possible. Resources for campus can be found at the campuswide Federal Transition website. Research and innovation-specific information and resources are being gathered and shared at the Research and Federal Funding website. Please monitor these websites closely as they are being updated regularly.

While immediate appearances are alarming in some cases, longer term implications and our path forward are still emerging and may take some time to take shape.

A few of the notable immediate developments:

• Yesterday’s White House Office of Management and Budget’s memo directing federal agencies to pause federal grants has understandably caused widespread concern across the country. Like many R1 universities across the U.S., a significant percentage of CU Boulder research funding and staffing depends on federal funding. We are assessing potential impacts, possible actions we can take to mitigate those impacts, and will be working with coalitions of higher ed peersamong others toward that end.
• The situation is evolving, and recent communications provide additional information regarding the scope of the OMB memo, along with a temporary injunction introducing further developments.
• Based on an initial assessment, we do not believe it is necessary to pause federally funded research activities unless you have received a stop-work order from the federal sponsor directly. Researchers may continue to perform work on already-funded federal projects.
• If you have received a cease-and-desist, stop work order or direct communication from your sponsor, stop all DEIA-related activities on your project immediately. No further DEIA charges are permitted to be applied to awards subject to this guidance.
• An updated list of agency communications is available on the Research and Federal Funding website. The research community should refer to the “What to do” guidance, which is also being updated regularly.
• Questions about specific funded projects may be directed to the Office of Contracts and Grants.

Finally, I want to emphasize that our values, priorities and commitment to care for one another have not changed. We remain committed to:

• Supporting CU Boulder’s efforts to attract and retain top talent and foster their success
• Promoting and supporting scholarship as the pursuit, application and dissemination of knowledge
• Upholding academic freedom for all members of our community
• Ensuring the safety, security and well-being of our faculty, researchers, students and staff

Our mission is critical to our state and the people who live here and beyond. We are committed to keeping you informed and providing you support and resources so that you can continue to advance that mission.

Best,

Massimo Ruzzene
Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes
Slade Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Research & Innovation Office
University of Colorado Boulder