Research and innovation updates, resources and actions

Dear colleagues,

As campus continues to monitor, respond to, and prepare for the rapidly changing federal landscape, we now also find ourselves facing the all too familiar possibility of a federal government shutdown. The House passed a funding patch last night that could prevent a shutdown if it clears the Senate and Oval Office by Friday night. Last week, we recommended some actions for PIs to consider preemptively—measures that can still be enacted until Friday—and we will continue to share updates as the situation unfolds.

Today, I want to express my deep appreciation for the amazing work you do and for your strong commitment to scholarship, innovation, and academic freedom. Your dedication is the most important form of engagement and advocacy, and it makes a difference. New numbers from our Contracts and Grants team show that, eight months into the fiscal year, our research funding is up nearly 18% from last year, which was a record year. Though the federal turmoil will eventually affect this trailing indicator, I am delighted about this snapshot of our enterprise’s health and momentum. I am even more impressed by the fact that 322 proposals were submitted by you all in February, also a record high. It takes extra motivation and commitment to develop and submit a proposal in the current environment, and I am proud of everyone’s efforts and contributions. Finally, the impact you create is far greater than what can be captured in numbers of proposals and dollars. I want to acknowledge the breadth of that impact and underscore how important it is for all of us to continue to spread the word about all of our research and creative work.

I encourage you to share your perspective—in personal networks, online, and even in the media—as long as you speak from your scholarly or personal perspective and not on behalf of the university. Communication matters, and personal stories and individual perspectives make an impact on our community and our legislators. For example, you can share your story with Congressman Joe Neguse through this form. As you likely know, threats specific to NIH have also raised alarm. This handout and website succinctly and effectively illustrate how federal funding through NIH drives impact and economic growth across the nation. These resources are specific to NIH but also paint a broader picture of the importance of federal funding across the board. Comparable summaries from other agencies would paint a similar picture and can be shared with your personal and professional networks.

I appreciate your continued determination and resilience in the face of these challenges and so much uncertainty and I am proud to have you as colleagues. Please know that we remain committed to our mission, our shared work, and to every member of our community.

Best regards,

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