U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley released a ruling on Wednesday, March 5, blocking the National Institutes of Health’s recent order to cap indirect costs for new and existing federal grants at 15%. The nationwide injunction replaces the temporary restraining order on the funding cap issued by Kelley on Feb. 11.
The new rate would have replaced previously negotiated rates with universities and research institutions, including U-M’s current negotiated rate of 56%. U-M is ranked third in the nation in NIH funding and received $734 million in the last fiscal year.
The ruling protects the university’s ability to support the cutting-edge and life-saving research performed by U-M researchers every day.
The administration can appeal the judge’s decision. The injunction would remain in effect until a ruling on that appeal by a higher federal court.