Announcements April 30, 2025

Research Leaders Gather to Tackle Funding and Operational Challenges

In a time of heightened uncertainty for biomedical research institutions, our inaugural Science and Technology Research Forum convened leaders from research institutions across the country for a focused discussion on how to navigate today’s challenging research environment. We were joined by Dr. Carrie D. Wolinetz, Senior Principal and Chair of the Health Bioscience Innovations Practice at Lewis-Burke Associates. Dr. Wolinetz is an internationally recognized science and health policy expert with decades of experience in both government and advocacy roles. She has previously served as Associate Director for Science Policy at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Chief of Staff to the NIH Director, and Deputy Director for Health and Life Sciences at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Held virtually on April 30, 2025, the first session set the tone for the forum’s mission: to equip stakeholders with the insights, strategies, and collaborative partnerships needed to navigate today’s volatile funding and regulatory landscape. The multi-part series is curated and facilitated by our firm to address top-of-mind challenges and chart new paths forward for biomedical research environments.

Key Topics Covered in Session #1
  • Research Budget Pressures & F&A Cost Uncertainty
    Concerns around possible changes to Facilities & Administrative (F&A) cost rates have prompted scenario planning across institutions. Even the potential for a cap is causing organizations to reevaluate grant strategies, budgets, and priorities.
  • Challenges to Research Continuity
    Staffing attrition, delays in grant cycles, and paused capital investments are disrupting the flow of research. Many institutions are reassessing how space, resources, and operations are allocated for long-term viability.
  • Economic & Procurement Constraints
    Cost increases, material availability issues, and procurement restrictions are impacting project delivery timelines. These factors are reshaping decisions around lab planning and infrastructure investments.
  • Limitations of Alternative Funding Models
    While philanthropic and private-sector partnerships offer potential support, they are often limited in scope and not positioned to replace core public research funding. Institutions are weighing how to responsibly leverage these options.
  • Strategic Planning Amid Uncertainty
    With many forecasting a year of flat or delayed funding, institutions are faced with difficult decisions—balancing caution with the need to maintain momentum on key initiatives.
Read the full summary.
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