As about 10 federal grants have been frozen or stopped so far at the University of Arizona, faculty governance leaders say the “quite limited” bridge funding UA announced “is unlikely to provide long-term support for terminated research programs.”
“We believe these funds are quite limited, as the university continues to recover from a financial mismanagement crisis while also committing to wage increases in the fall,” they wrote in an update to faculty on the status of federal research and grants as the Trump administration cuts funding to universities.
The update was signed UA by faculty secretary Katie Zeiders, faculty chair Leila Hudson, faculty vice-chair Mona Hymel and faculty chair of the research policy committee Lucy Ziurys.
UA officials, though spokesperson Mitch Zak, have declined to publicly disclose how much bridge funding UA will make available, nor where the money will come from, as the university aims to close out a $65 million budget deficit by July 1. Zak did not immediately respond to the faculty leaders’ stated concerns the bridge funding is too limited.
The grants that have been frozen or received “stop work” orders “represent years of dedicated scientific research with significant impacts at the state, national, and global levels. Their abrupt termination halts critical research and disrupts progress in addressing real-world challenges,” the faculty governance leaders wrote.
Also, some faculty have received questionnaires from federal agencies about their grants, with instructions to respond within 24–48 hours, they wrote. “Some of the questions appear to reflect broad political stances of these organizations, making faculty unsure how to respond or uncomfortable answering.”
“This is a crucial time to remind faculty of the importance of academic freedom, which is fundamental to advancing knowledge,” the faculty leaders wrote. “... In research, this means we must have the freedom to pursue inquiries wherever they may lead. University research grants and operations are not part of political debates or rhetoric; rather, they are merit-based awards designated for specific tasks ....”
The update called on UA leadership “to take bold steps to protect and advance our research mission in both the short and long term,” including by helping faculty find new funding opportunities and adapt research programs “to align with shifting agency priorities.”
“Champion our institution,” they urged, “that has served as an economic driver for the local community, state, and nation, while also advancing scientific and technological research and producing top graduates and innovators.”
The Applied Research Building at the University of Arizona.
