Dear Research Community,
We recognize the difficulties of this time, and the many concerns about if, when and how the work our outstanding group of researchers does each day could be affected in ways similar to peer institutions over the recent weeks. We stand with you during this challenging moment, and today, we hope to offer some clarity about how the University of Michigan will support you and your teams, should federal actions directly impact your work.
We are writing to share an overview of the new research funding program that has been developed in response to federal stop-work orders impacting and projected to impact our research enterprise. The deans, executive vice presidents, and the VPRI are working closely to offer a transition plan that would allow units to manage uncertainty related to funding stoppages, mitigate impacts to staff, and reduce risk to health and safety with respect to critical research already underway.
Here’s what’s important to know about our new program:
- This program is effective immediately and applies to our Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses, as well Michigan Medicine.
- We have made a fixed amount of central funding available to partner with units whose existing federal grants or contracts have experienced an unexpected termination or disruption to the current level of funding provided via an official stop-work order or non-competing renewal delay, or where funding delays would represent a risk to the health and safety of participants.
- Central funding will be provided to support salaries, benefits, supplies, and other needed direct expenses for up to six months for employees and PhD students who cannot be reassigned to other work and have lost salary coverage as a result of cancellation of the federal grant or contract or where there is a risk to health and safety associated with an immediate stoppage.
- Central funding is intended to provide resources for units actively experiencing transitions related to funding stoppages; it will not replace lost or delayed funds in their entirety, and it will not provide long-term support.
- Researchers should work through their existing research office/structure to understand if their work is eligible to be funded through this new program.
- The relevant EVP, VPRI, and unit lead (dean, director, chair) will review the planned operation (e.g., winding down, vs. bridging) prior to a funding decision. We will evaluate initial funding decisions and reassess the current amount of funding reserved for this program on a quarterly basis, at minimum.
If you believe your area of research has been impacted, we suggest you review the full criteria for the program’s scope and eligibility.
What Happens Next
All stop-work orders should continue to be shared with ORSP. Units that have experienced a stop-work order, complete termination through an order, or threat to health and safety that suggests a funding stoppage, lapse or significant delay are encouraged to connect with their dean to determine the best path forward for their unique situation, including potentially seeking access to funds through this new program.
Please continue to visit the OVPR website for updates on research agency directives and the Public Affairs website for broader information on federal actions.
Thank you for your continued commitment to discovery and our collective mission. Research at University of Michigan–your research–serves the world and sets the standard, and we are grateful for your continued leadership, scholarship and partnership.
Sincerely,
Santa J. Ono
President
Geoffrey S. Chatas
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Laurie K. McCauley
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Marschall S. Runge
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs
Arthur Lupia
Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation