AAU President Barbara R. Snyder released the following statement on the National Science Foundation’s announcement that it will slash the rate at which it reimburses universities for the facilities and administrative costs for NSF grants and cooperative agreements.
“Today the administration has again decided to cut funding for American university research, this time slashing critical scientific investments that lead to innovation here at home, spur economic growth and manufacturing in the United States, keep our country out in front of competitors and adversaries, and strengthen our national security. Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs – also referred to as ‘indirect’ costs – are real and necessary costs for conducting the scientific research that benefits all Americans. A cut to the F&A reimbursement rate for NSF grants and cooperative agreements will mean, quite simply, fewer scientific innovations and breakthroughs for the American people – and all Americans will lose as a result.
NSF is the engine of research across our nation, supporting students and researchers exploring new frontiers in subjects as disparate as how the brain’s neurons communicate and how to prevent harmful algal blooms. NSF not only fosters a dynamic workforce, but buttresses our national security by improving our understanding in critical and emerging areas of research. These include AI, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, and materials research, which are essential to our ability to compete with other nations. It is absolutely crucial to maintain and expand NSF’s capabilities right now, as we face increased threats to U.S. scientific superiority. Knee-capping this agency by drastically cutting its support for essential research costs is an avoidable blunder if our nation wants to win the technology wars.
Besides harming American innovation and scientific advancement, this cut would also undermine our ability to train the next generation of highly skilled scientific workers and innovators. The loss of this American workforce pipeline would be a blow to the U.S. economy, to American science and innovation, and to our dominant position in the world as a leader in advanced critical technologies.
It would be, quite simply, a self-inflicted wound and a gift to competitors and potential adversaries such as China.”
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.
Follow AAU on Twitter/X, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Threads, and on LinkedIn.