Dec. 2: Federal support for research is on positive trajectory
This email is being sent to PIs with open federal awards, deans, research associate deans, and unit heads whose units have federal sponsored projects.
Dear Colleagues,
I hope you all enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating Fall Break.
Now that the government has reopened and Congress is working on fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills, there are signs that federal funding for research could stabilize in 2026.
As part of the budget deal that ended the shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture was funded for federal fiscal year 2026. The budget for research increased, including increases to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. While Congress must still negotiate 2026 fiscal year budgets for other agencies, current congressional proposals for research funding are mostly near last year’s levels. Congressional work on fiscal year 2026 agency budgets will go through a bipartisan process, requiring 60 votes in the Senate.
In addition, the White House and science agencies also have begun to release strategy documents that outline federal science priorities, which are reflected in calls for proposals. As new awards are made, they are less likely to be disrupted. At CSU, new federal awards, increments, and no cost extensions are coming in again after the shutdown.
Taken together, I see these as positive signs for federal research funding going forward. Funding is available with agency priorities becoming increasingly clear. Some agencies may even be able to award more funding than in previous years. Please submit proposals for opportunities that align with your work. Our office is here to help you; please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I am tremendously grateful for all you have done to keep moving forward in spite of the disruption and uncertainty.
Best,
Cass
Cassandra Moseley, Ph.D. (she/hers)
Vice President for Research
Professor, Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship