Statement of the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the American Council on Education Regarding their Legal Challenge to the National Science Foundation’s Cut to Critical Research That Strengthens America
Today, the Association of American Universities, the American Council on Education, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities filed a joint lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts along with 13 research universities which are negatively affected by the latest effort from the administration to slash funding for crucial research that helps build a stronger America. The suit seeks to halt an attempt by the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced on Friday, May 2 , to cut the rate at which it reimburses institutions of higher education for what are known as Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs, also known as indirect costs. These reimbursements help cover the real and necessary costs associated with performing groundbreaking research on behalf of the American people.
Besides its destructive impact on research and training, this latest effort violates longstanding federal laws and regulations that govern grantmaking. We are seeking to prevent implementation of this poorly conceived and short-sighted policy, which will only hurt the American people and weaken the country. We look forward to making our case.
NSF has, for decades, been one of the world’s most successful research engines – and a cut to F&A is a cut to the research that helps fuel American security, global competitiveness, and prosperity.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 71 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.
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