Dr. Eli Capilouto, President of the University of Kentucky released a statement saying, “If this policy change is enacted, it will impact the way we do research at the University of Kentucky. It will cost UK tens of millions of dollars annually and will hit our local and state economies. More important than any numbers, though, it will impact the work we do to advance the health of Kentucky in those areas most critical to our future — including cancer, heart disease, children’s health, Alzheimer’s, and opioid use disorder.”
The NIH is the largest funder of health research in Kentucky. In the past five years, UK received an annual average of $159 million in grants and contracts.
Scientists warn the Trump administration’s drastic cuts for medical research endanger patients, will cost thousands of jobs – and threaten America’s standing as a world leader in science and innovation.
Nearly two dozen states sued Monday to block the National Institutes of Health’s surprise slashing of billions of dollars in medical research around the country, calling it a “devastating” blow. Later Monday, a federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily blocked the cuts from taking effect, setting a hearing later this month to settle whether they are legal and should proceed.
“If you’ve ever wished for a cure, for better treatment options for yourself or a loved one, this should feel personal,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.
While the cuts announced Friday are tackled in court, universities, hospitals, and other research groups are reeling as they try to figure out how to handle the sudden loss of funding.
Capilouto said cutting the rate to 15% would equate to “a cut of at least $40 million to the University and its critical research efforts.”
University officials are continuing to follow federal policy changes, which will be updated here: Monitoring Federal Changes 2025
The Trump administration and those who support the cuts say they are needed to stop fiscal waste and reign in overspending.
