Supporting Our Research Mission

Past Communications About Supporting Our Research Mission

3/7 - Research Update: Federal Judge Issues Preliminary Injunction on F&A Cap & Survey About Foreign Research Activity

MESSAGE FROM DoM LEADERSHIP

Dear Colleagues,

We are committed to keeping you informed about the latest news regarding federal actions which may impact our department’s research mission. As we navigate these uncertain times, it is critical to stay updated on the key issues that may influence our research activities and to remain proactive in planning for potential challenges.

Yesterday, we learned that a federal judge in Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction blocking the federal governments proposed 15% cap on facilities and administrative (F&A) costs paid through awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Facilities and administrative costs, also known as indirect costs, are critical in supporting the infrastructure need to support our research activities. We will continue to monitor these developments closely as the judge continues to hear arguments in three lawsuits filed by 22 states challenging this federal action before making a final decision.

This week, we also learned that a few faculty are receiving communications from federal agencies that include a survey about foreign research activity. There have been instances in which faculty who do not have a foreign component in their research mistakenly received the survey. We are also aware of grants being terminated in certain areas at other institutions. If you receive the survey asking about foreign research activity, or any federal notice such as a stop-work order, suspension, or termination notice, please contact department leadership and the UCLA Office of Contract and Grant Administration (awards@research.ucla.edu) for further guidance. In the meantime, all grants that are being submitted to the NIH on behalf of UCLA, continue to include the current negotiated F& A rate in the budgets.

We recognize that the uncertainty presented by these executive orders are extremely concerning. Our department leadership continues to work with campus, UCLA Health, and the UC Office of the President to advocate on behalf of our research mission. We greatly value and find strength in the solidarity of our community during these challenging times. We encourage you to remain informed and stay connected with us as we navigate the circumstances and plan our next steps.

Sincerely,

E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and UCLA Health

Judith S. Currier, MD
Professor of Medicine
Executive Vice Chair for Research, Department of Medicine
Sue and Michael Steinberg Chair in Global AIDS Research

Gregory A. Brent, MD
Senior Executive Academic Vice Chair
Department of Medicine
Professor of Medicine and Physiology
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

COMMUNICATIONS FROM UC LEADERSHIP

Week of March 3, 2025

Weekly federal update brief (3/6/25)

COMMUNICATIONS FROM UC LEADERSHIP

2/28 - Updates to NIH Study Sections, Global Health Funding, and UCLA Graduate Admissions Review

MESSAGE FROM DoM LEADERSHIP

Dear Colleagues,

We continue to closely track the latest developments that affect federally funded research. This week, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) partially lifted the freeze on study sections. Study sections are responsible for reviewing the thousands of grant submissions submitted to the NIH for funding consideration. As a result, 50 study sections will be permitted to resume the first phase of grant review for approximately 16,000 submissions once the NIH submits notices to the Office of the Federal Register.

Unfortunately, many study sections remain on hold or cancelled, and our department is working with each division to identify grants that have been delayed or impacted by recent executive orders. The data will help inform our contingency planning aimed at supporting our research colleagues, staff and the critical work we are leading.

We have already learned of funding cuts to USAID programs led by DoM faculty which provided vaccines, medications, and healthcare to people around the globe. While this is a disheartening setback, our department remains committed to seeking solutions to global health challenges. We are confident in our resilience and in our ability to adapt so we can continue making a difference globally.

While we navigate these challenges in global health, the University is taking a proactive approach to sustaining our local academic community. UCLA is currently reviewing graduate admissions to ensure that we can continue to provide long-term financial support to the incoming class of graduate students. Admissions decisions are currently on hold as the UCLA Division of Graduate Education and Academic Planning and Budget meets with each department to analyze funding sources and provide guidance on designing a sustainable plan. We anticipate that the graduate admissions review process will be completed soon.

As we wait for further guidance, please be assured that our department, the University, and UC system will continue to advocate for you, your team and your research. We remain focused on recent federal actions and are actively urging Congress to prioritize critical federal research funding in their upcoming budget resolution. Our advocacy efforts will not waver. We all recognize the profound impact your work has on the lives of millions of people.

We urge you to remain engaged with your colleagues and department leadership during this challenging time. We will continue to persevere in our mission to lead in innovation, transform care, and advance health for all.

Sincerely,

E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and UCLA Health

Judith S. Currier, MD
Professor of Medicine
Executive Vice Chair for Research, Department of Medicine
Sue and Michael Steinberg Chair in Global AIDS Research

Gregory A. Brent, MD
Senior Executive Academic Vice Chair
Department of Medicine
Professor of Medicine and Physiology
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

COMMUNICATIONS FROM UC LEADERSHIP

Week of February 24, 2025

Weekly federal update brief (2/28/25)

COMMUNICATIONS FROM UC LEADERSHIP

2/21 - Update on Federal Policy Impacting Our Research Mission

MESSAGE FROM DoM LEADERSHIP

Dear colleagues,

We continue to monitor the latest developments related to federal policy that may impact our department’s research mission. Earlier today, a federal judge extended the temporary restraining order that seeks to prevent the federal government from lowering the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) cost rate to 15% for federally funded projects. Although heartened by the latest development, we remain cautious as we await a final decision regarding the proposed changes.

During these uncertain times, we would like to emphasize our commitment to our research faculty, staff, and our research mission. Our research operations continue as planned and we will make every effort to minimize disruption to the critical work that you are leading.

To support the research community in navigating this situation, UCLA’s Office of Contract and Grant Administration (OCGA) hosted a Research Administration Forum on February 13, 2025 to review current guidance for federal proposal submissions, active awards, and stop-work orders. The forum provided valuable information to help us maintain compliance for current federally funded projects with recommendations that included:

The NIH requires that principal investigators submit RPPRs on time to issue a notice of award. Failure to do so is a material compliance failure which may be interpreted as a lack of interest in receiving federal support for the budget period.
Federal proposals should continue to apply the F&A cost rate and base from UCLA’s negotiated federal rate agreement.
For active NIH awards, work should continue. It is critical that you closely monitor your budget to avoid overspending and underspending.
Institutions are authorized to approve first time NIH No Cost Extensions (NCE), and it is strongly recommended that you submit required documentation early to federal sponsors.
Please continue to submit required reports and deliverables by required deadlines as compliance is strictly enforced.
Please note that some NIH grants now restrict funding for diversity related initiatives.
If you receive a work-stop order, suspension, or termination notice, please submit to awards@research.ucla.edu immediately for guidance.

These are just a few of the points discussed at the Research Administration Forum. Additional information presented at the forum is available HERE. We encourage you to review OCGA’s full recommendations, which can also be viewed in this slide deck.

As we move forward, rest assured that leaders from the UC system and the UC Office of the President continue to partner with the California Attorney General’s Office to address executive actions and advocate on behalf of the University and our missions. We are also working closely with lawmakers, advocacy groups, and community partners to protect our research programs and committed funding for public health. Executive Vice President of UC Health Dr. David Rubin shared a message to the UC Health community discussing the current situation, the advocacy efforts being led at the state level, and acknowledged the tremendous leadership demonstrated by our colleagues during these challenging times. You may read the message HERE.

We urge you to continue to stay informed about the latest updates by visiting the UC and UCLA websites below which contain notifications from leadership, as well as resources to help us during this challenging time. Please continue to stay connected with department leadership and your colleagues as we work together to protect the integrity of our research mission and impactful work research being led across our department. We are committed to listening to any concerns that you may have. Our department is a strong, resilient and vibrant community and more than ever we are doubling down on our strategic goals to lead in innovation, transform care and advance health for all.

Sincerely,

E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and UCLA Health

Judith S. Currier, MD
Professor of Medicine
Executive Vice Chair for Research, Department of Medicine
Sue and Michael Steinberg Chair in Global AIDS Research

Gregory A. Brent, MD
Senior Executive Academic Vice Chair
Department of Medicine
Professor of Medicine and Physiology
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

COMMUNICATIONS FROM UC LEADERSHIP

Week of February 17, 2025

Weekly federal update brief (2/20/25)
A video message to the UC community from UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. (2/20/25)
ORA Newsletter: Updates to Federally Sponsored Projects (2/20/25)

COMMUNICATIONS FROM UC LEADERSHIP

2/14 - Supporting Our Research Mission

MESSAGE FROM DoM LEADERSHIP

Dear colleagues,

2025 has challenged us in new and unexpected ways. As you are likely aware, several federal notices have been issued regarding changes to funding guidelines for grants awarded by the National Institutes of Health. These proposed changes have the potential to significantly impact research efforts in the department of medicine. While the news is unsettling, we want to assure you that our department is fully dedicated to supporting research faculty and staff, and safeguarding the important work being led through our research mission.

The situation remains fluid and while we wait for clarity on the full impact of these federal notices, our department leadership is actively exploring how we can minimize disruption to our research activities if the proposed changes are implemented. We may not know which of these changes may ultimately be enacted or their effects for some time since they are facing legal challenges. As of now, the University is continuing all research activity and grant submissions as usual. When we have concrete information, we will share those updates with you through our department communications. We will also gather and share any relevant messages from UC Office of the President and UCLA leaders to help you stay informed about the latest response. The University of California federal relations group has developed online resources, summarized at the end of this communication, that are regularly updated. We recommend checking these sites as well for updated information.

We understand that these rapidly announced directives have caused worry among our community members, and we share your concerns. We would like to emphasize that our commitment to our research mission and the success of our people is unwavering. Despite the challenges, our community is resilient and united. Our department leadership is here to listen to your concerns and will work to identify solutions that help our community prosper.

As scientists and physicians we have all faced challenges that have tested our resolve. That includes years of setbacks and failed experiments. Yet we persist because we understand the importance of the work we lead and its potential to impact the lives of people around the world. The current events are another instance in which we must tap into that spirit of perseverance and determination, and work together to continue to lead in innovation, transform care, and advance health for all.

Sincerely,

E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD
William S. Adams Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Chair and Executive Medical Director
Department of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and UCLA Health

Judith S. Currier, MD
Professor of Medicine
Executive Vice Chair for Research, Department of Medicine
Sue and Michael Steinberg Chair in Global AIDS Research

Gregory A. Brent, MD
Senior Executive Academic Vice Chair
Department of Medicine
Professor of Medicine and Physiology
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

*Sent on February 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm. For the latest updates, please visit the links in the helpful resources section below

COMMUNICATIONS FROM UC LEADERSHIP

Week of February 10, 2025

COMMUNICATIONS FROM UC LEADERSHIP