With federal research funding uncertain, states debate new science initiatives
Several U.S. states are proposing new research funding programs to compensate for uncertain federal support and delayed NIH awards, with Massachusetts' DRIVE $400 million plan among proposals in New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and California; universities report furloughs, smaller Ph.D. cohorts, and numerous approved-but-undisbursed NIH grants, driving calls for state bridge funding for early-career researchers and sustained research operations.
Why it mattersDRIVE's $400 million proposal amid NIH delays means university leaders must prioritize bridge funding to retain faculty.