Grant Terminations Update

May 6, 2025

Like many universities across the country, our campus is experiencing the disruptive effects of recent federal actions suspending or cancelling some federal grants. Although the number of grants rescinded on our campus has been limited so far, each of these grant cancellations is painful and has reverberating impacts. We recognize the difficulties this poses for our research community. We are writing to clarify the procedures that the Office of Research and other offices have established to respond.

In most cases, the Office of Research is notified of the termination of grants and contracts by the funding agency and then contacts the PI, but sometimes faculty learn directly or indirectly before the campus is informed. At this point in time, OR is taking an individualized approach to each termination notice, communicating with the PI, the relevant dean or ORU director, Graduate Division, Labor Relations, and Campus Counsel, as needed or appropriate, to assess the situation and review options. If faculty learn of a termination or pending termination, they should contact the Sponsored Project Office (SPO) and notify their chair and dean. Listed below are the steps followed by OR in response to grant terminations.

Because of the potential magnitude of the problem and campus financial constraints, we are not able to offer a campus-wide bridge-funding program. In the case of terminated grants that support Graduate Student Researchers, both Labor Relations and Graduate Division will provide guidance. In many cases, commitments to support graduate students were made at the time of admission, and in all cases, we will seek to ensure that graduate students can complete the academic year. Graduate Division can help work with deans and departments to see if block grant carry-forward or other sources could be available for the remaining weeks of the quarter. Deans are pursuing various funding sources. Please consult Labor Relations regarding staff positions and Academic Personnel regarding academic staff or research positions if the cancellation of a grant impacts a non-student employee. Please do not take any actions without consulting with the appropriate offices.

We are working to assess options and responses. It will take more time to figure out how we will handle graduate support if expected GSR positions are not available next year. Universities across the country are struggling with the possibility that future grants and overhead rates will be substantially reduced. There is a great deal of uncertainty, and what happens next year may depend on what actions are taken by Congress and the courts.

In the meantime, we are working to assess the situations and find at least short-term solutions. Discussions are ongoing here and throughout the UC system and the community of research universities to develop strategies for the future. See the Federal Updates page on the UC Office of the President website, as well as the AAU website, for updates about national efforts in which UC is participating to advocate for the importance of our research and to challenge recent actions by federal funding agencies in court. See also the May 5, 2025, Statement of APLU, the Association of American Universities, and the American Council on Education Regarding their Legal Challenge to the National Science Foundation’s Cut to Critical Research That Strengthens America. For faculty concerned about the potential impact of cancelled grants to future merit advancements, please refer to the April 25, 2025, memo from Associate Vice Chancellor Mastro.

We are dedicated to the success of our faculty, staff, and students and to maintaining our role as a great public research university during this challenging time. Thank you. 

Office of Research Response to Grant Terminations

Upon notice of a potential termination, SPO confirms validity of any communication from the funding agency.

PI and their Dean are informed by SPO and/or Assistant VCR of the termination, as well as EMF and post-award staff managing the award.

SPO is available to discuss with PI a potential appeal process. If there is interest in pursuing this, PIs are encouraged to contact their agency program officer. SPO coordinates consultation with Campus Counsel. PIs are advised to include their Dean in the development of an appropriate response. Faculty should be aware that this can be an effortful and individualized process, with uncertain chances of changing the outcome.

PIs should assess whether they have other projects or funding sources available to support a GSR or other employees through end of quarter and beyond. PIs in academic departments should consult with chairs and deans and PIs in ORUs with Directors about the options available to them.

The Office of Research shares information regularly with campus colleagues in Labor Relations and the Graduate Division, and these offices are available for consultation about obligations and potential solutions.

The process for suspending a GSR in the case where there is no other source of funding has been defined but has not been executed systemwide.