2025 Federal Policy Updates for Researchers

Research is a core pillar of the University of Rochester’s identity. While recent federal policy changes have created challenges—including disruptions to certain federal grants—the University remains unwavering in its commitment to research excellence at every level, from undergraduate and graduate students to postdoctoral scholars and faculty. We have successfully advocated for the reinstatement of a number of terminated awards and continue to take proactive steps to strengthen our research enterprise. Most recently, President Mangelsdorf dedicated $8.5 million to launch new transdisciplinary research centers, bringing together faculty from across disciplines to address complex, real‑world challenges. These investments not only enhance our competitiveness for external funding but also create exciting opportunities for philanthropic support that align with emerging national research priorities.

As part of this commitment, the University of Rochester is closely monitoring and reviewing changes in federal policy, including recent executive actions, as well as other changes that may affect research programs and related activities. On this website you will find the latest updates and guidance for researchers, including specific guidance by funding agency.

We recognize there are ongoing questions and concerns as to whether federal funds allocated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) components in existing grants may be reallocated to other grant activities. We also recognize there is still lack of clarity regarding how DEIA is being defined, particularly around “accessibility.” We are continuing to monitor this and will provide updates as soon as they are available.

Latest updates

• August 15: NIH releases new policy requiring all Senior/Key Personnel to complete training regarding the disclosure of all research activities and affiliations in their Other Support.
• June 4: Recommended options if you are planning a foreign subaward on a NIH proposal
• May 7: NIH temporarily disables No-Cost Extensions in eRA Commons 
• May 2: NSF releases Policy Notice of Implementation of Standard 15% Indirect Cost Rate
• May 1: NIH releases an updated Policy on Foreign Subawards
• Apr. 21: NIH releases new grant terms and conditions
• Apr. 16: HHS releases new grant terms and conditions
• Apr. 11: DOE announces new indirect cost rate
• Mar. 27: NASA updates comply with Executive Orders
• Mar. 26: NIH implements New Initiatives and Policies page
• Feb. 20: NIH updating plans for future council meetings
• Feb. 12: Message: Our Efforts to Fight Sudden Funding Cuts by the NIH
• Feb. 12: New FAQs on research and grant funding
• Feb. 11: CDC rescinds January 29 and January 31 communications
• Feb 10: Guidance for faculty: NIH NCE
• Feb. 8: Guidance for faculty: NIH grants
• Feb. 8: Message: NIH Indirect Cost Rate
• Feb. 7: Message: Resources to Evaluate Executive Orders and Federal Directives
• Feb 5: HRSA rescinds January 31 memo

General guidance for faculty

• Faculty must comply with agency-specific mandates (review agency guidance). In cases where agencies have issued such mandates (which is not uniformly the case), they include requirements to cease “grant activity that uses or promotes the use of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) principles and frameworks” (according to the NSF). Such activity “may include, but is not limited to conferences, trainings, workshops, and considerations for staffing and participant selection” (NSF). Many agencies have also issued similar prohibitions regarding activities related to “gender ideology”. 

• Otherwise, continue working on federally funded projects if obligated funds are available and the sponsor has not issued a stop-work order. Review each agency’s specific guidance, summarized in the links below, noting that there may be differences or nuances in each agency’s approach and guidance.

• Submit all required deliverables and reports, noting that sponsors may have adjusted content requirements, or may communicate such content adjustments in the future.
• Some stop-work orders are being sent directly to investigators. Please forward copies of any such notices directly received to resadmin@orpa.rochester.edu.

Contacts and resources

• Office of Research and Project Administration:

  Contact your ORPA research administrator for questions related to federal grant submissions, reports, and other matters such as no-cost extension (NCE) requests.

• Office of the Vice President for Research: For questions regarding specific language or wording in proposals, other research-related questions, or to share feedback, contact SrVPforResearch@rochester.edu.
• University FAQs and contact form: Visit the University’s general federal policy updates webpage for faculty, staff, and students. There you’ll find frequently asked questions related to research and other topics, including immigration and privacy. Submit questions or feedback using the web form.
• Summary of Executive Orders: The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) has developed a resource page that provides links to information, analysis, government documents, and other resources about executive actions and changes in policies and practices affecting federally funded research.