On Tuesday, March 4, President Ronald J. Daniels sent out an email titled “Our bond at a moment of challenge,” addressing the University’s commitment to research and its response to recent executive orders affecting federal funding.
Daniels reaffirmed the University’s dedication to research, academic expression and fostering diverse perspectives. He emphasized Hopkins’s long-standing partnership with the federal government, noting that nearly 50% of total incoming funds come from research conducted on behalf of the federal government.
“The funds allocated by the federal government on a competitive, meritocratic basis to us and other American research universities have extended and improved the quality of human life, driven innovation, educated the next generation, created new industries and jobs, ensured the safety of the nation, and fueled the remarkable success and productivity of the American economy,” he wrote.
However, Daniels expressed concern over recent executive orders that have led to significant disruptions in research funding, particularly cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. He noted that grant reviews at various agencies have been suspended, delaying the evaluation and approval of research proposals submitted by Hopkins faculty.
“We anticipate that in the coming months we will see other areas where federal actions may result in a significant reduction in research work, though at this time, we are not certain of their scope and magnitude,” he warned.
The effects of the financial strain caused by the Trump administration are already being felt in some graduate admissions programs.
A faculty involved with graduate admissions for the Neuroscience Training Program at the School of Medicine shared that the program is uncertain about the effects the executive orders will have on NIH funding and the ability of faculty to support graduate students. As a result, the program is being more cautious with offers this year and expects to recruit an incoming graduate class that is 30% lower than typical years.
In response to these funding challenges, Hopkins has already engaged in a joint litigation against the cutting of NIH grants while also advocating to elected representatives for the protection of federal research funding. Despite these efforts, Daniels acknowledged that the University must scale back certain research initiatives, particularly in medical and public health fields.
One of the most immediate impacts is the termination of programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development-funded (USAID), which significantly affects research in maternal and infant care, disease prevention, and clean water access.
“The unexpected stoppage of foreign aid funds has resulted in the suspension and now termination of most of our USAID grant portfolio at Jhpiego, the Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Communication Programs, and the School of Medicine, which totals more than $800 million. Because of these funding terminations, we are in the process of winding down USAID grant-related activities in Baltimore and internationally,” Daniels wrote.
To mitigate the financial strain, Daniels stated that the administration’s finance team is working closely with deans and divisional budget officers to develop contingency plans for potential funding reductions and their effects on University operations.
Daniels also addressed concerns regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in light of recent legal rulings and administrative actions. He emphasized the University’s commitment to fostering a pluralistic academic environment while ensuring compliance with legal frameworks, particularly following the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. (SFFA) v. President and Fellows of Harvard College.
“After the SFFA decision, we undertook a review of our current policies and programs, including our admissions processes, and made modifications to ensure compliance with the court's decision. Our Office of General Counsel will continue to advise us regarding any further adjustments needed to ensure the constitutionality of our activities,” he said.
Daniels ended the email by emphasizing Hopkins’s commitment to overcoming challenges as the University approaches its 150th anniversary.
“Time and again, we have met the moment, sought new opportunities, and charted our course forward with determination and vision. We will do so again, and as we enter our 150th year,” he concluded.
