Press Release: Researchers Rally for Support Amid Federal Funding Uncertainty
Portland, OR – February 19, 2025 – Over 100 researchers from universities across Oregon and Washington gathered today in Portland to voice their concerns regarding recent executive orders from the Trump administration that have led to significant federal grant funding delays. The rally highlighted worries that halting crucial research will negatively impact communities that rely on findings related to wildfire recovery, health care, and other vital services.
Lisa Ellsworth, a professor at Oregon State University studying wildfire recovery, received a stop-work order informing her that her federally-funded project was out of compliance with new directives. “Not everyone recovers in the same way after a wildfire,” Ellsworth noted, emphasizing the importance of equitable recovery mechanisms for affected communities. Similar directives disrupted research in various disciplines, including cybersecurity and behavioral health, across Oregon’s higher education institutions.
Emily Jane Davis, another OSU professor, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Land managers are still going to be dealing with wildfires,” and expressed concern over the potential disconnection from essential fire science knowledge due to funding interruptions.
The unrest extends beyond OSU, affecting Portland State University and other institutions reliant on federal grants from agencies such as NASA and the Department of Transportation. Researchers voiced frustration with insufficient guidance to navigate the ramifications of these directives.
The rally served as a call to action for university leaders to provide tangible support for faculty as funding uncertainties linger. Some researchers criticized their institutions for a seemingly passive approach during this crisis, advocating for more vocal opposition to federal directives to ensure the continuity of critical research efforts.
As anxiety grows regarding the implications of federal funding cuts, researchers remain resolute, advocating for transparency and solidarity to protect the integral work that serves local communities.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
