A sudden cancellation of scientific meetings by the Trump administration has raised alarms about potential impacts on NIH funding, public health updates, and the future of U.S. research.
Key Points at a Glance
- Multiple federal scientific meetings were abruptly canceled, including NIH study sections and advisory panels.
- Scientists express concerns over potential delays in grant funding and public health updates.
- The cancellations coincide with a pause on external communications imposed by the administration.
- Experts warn of long-term disruptions to biomedical research and public health policymaking.
In an unexpected move, the Trump administration has canceled several key scientific meetings across federal agencies, sparking widespread concern among researchers and policymakers. The abrupt cancellations include National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections, advisory councils, and panels critical to public health and research funding. The cancellations coincide with a temporary freeze on external communications, leaving many in the scientific community uncertain about the future.
One of the most significant cancellations was of NIH study sections, which are responsible for peer-reviewing applications for fellowships and research grants. These panels play a crucial role in distributing the NIH’s $40 billion annual extramural budget. Former National Cancer Institute Director Norman E. Sharpless emphasized the gravity of the situation: “If study sections and advisory council meetings are postponed for more than even a brief period, this will likely lead to interruptions in grant funding, which is bad for U.S. biomedical research.”
Other canceled meetings include a session of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee and the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, both of which address critical public health concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also delayed reports in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), including studies on H5N1 bird flu outbreaks. A CDC official noted that the postponement could hinder time-sensitive information sharing with healthcare professionals.
The Trump administration’s pause on federal communications is reportedly intended to allow the incoming team to “set up a process for review and prioritization.” However, the lack of clarity surrounding the cancellations has left researchers uncertain about the timeline for resuming normal operations. Carrie Wolinetz, a former senior adviser at the NIH, highlighted the potential consequences: “Anything that disrupts study sections for a period of time, from government shutdowns to major weather events, can backlog and slow down the whole system.”
For scientists whose grants and projects depend on timely approvals, the cancellations could have immediate and long-term repercussions. Rebecca Pompano, a chemist and biomedical engineer at the University of Virginia, shared her concerns about funding gaps: “If study sections don’t meet on time, then that could delay grants being distributed, which affects the ability of labs to pay their students and staff.”
The uncertainty is compounded by incoming policy changes proposed by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has called for extensive overhauls to the NIH. This has added to the anxiety among researchers, with some fearing that the cancellations signal broader disruptions to federal science funding and policy.
The pause is also affecting advisory committees critical to public health and safety. The Food and Drug Administration’s advisory committees, which play a pivotal role in approving new drugs and medical devices, have yet to clarify their status. This delay could have ripple effects on the availability of life-saving treatments.
Experts have also pointed out the potential impact on public health updates. For instance, the CDC’s delayed H5N1 reports were expected to provide insights into infections among veterinarians working with affected livestock. Delays in releasing such information could compromise timely interventions and preparedness efforts.
While it is common for new administrations to impose brief pauses on agency activities, the scope and lack of transparency surrounding these cancellations have amplified concerns. The scientific community is calling for clearer communication and expedited resolution to avoid long-term harm to research and public health.
“This is a wake-up call for the scientific community and policymakers,” said Annika Barber, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University. “The need for clarity and consistency in federal science policy has never been more urgent.”
As the administration’s freeze continues, researchers and public health officials are urging the government to prioritize the resumption of critical meetings and communications to safeguard the future of U.S. science and innovation.
