ECU faculty researchers are facing uncertainty over federal research grants and loans, which pay for their ongoing research.
The concern was raised amid the White House budget office decision to freeze all federal grants and loans on Jan 27 under the Trump Administration. Though there is still uncertainty concerning the freeze and its potential implications, federally funded research is expected to be impacted. The potential freeze could interrupt or end research projects conducted by colleges and universities.
On Jan. 28, East Carolina University’s Office of Research and Administration sent a mass email to the campus research community regarding the freeze. The email stated the freeze would have a large effect on research at the university and there are changes taking place.
Dr. Joseph Houmard, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, received a federal grant from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services for research at ECU’s Diabetes and Obesity Institute. Houmard said that the research is important because it can help to improve overall health.
“In several ways [research] is important in terms of educating students, and they are all involved in my research for people in exercise physiology programs,” Houmard said. “We study obesity and exercise, and our goal is to always try to improve human health and find out why exercise is effective.” Houmard said that he hopes the institute’s research findings are effective in doing that.
According to an article published by WITN Newa, In September 2024, ECU was awarded over $930,000 in federal grants for research purposes. Due to the uncertainty of the White House freeze, the future of these projects is still unclear.
Dr. Archana Hedge, a professor in the College of Health and Human Performance, has also received research grants. Conducting research at ECU is highly significant due to ECU’S recent designation as a Research 1 university. R1 universities require extensive research requirements to be considered for this designation. Hedge said quality research allows the university to receive more recognition. “Good and high-quality research brings good reputation and visibility for the university,” Hedge said. “ECU’s motto is to be future focused and hold a strong national reputation, and research fulfills all those requirements.”
Soon before the order was set to go into effect, Federal U.S District Judge Loren L. Alikhan blocked the freeze due to the confusion surrounding President Trump’s order. The block was extended on Feb. 4. However, if the freeze is allowed to go into effect, many programs receiving federal funding will be widely impacted. The U.S Office of Management and Budget released a statement stating that programs that directly benefit Americans would not be included in the freeze, including Social Security, Medicare, SNAP, as well as Pell Grants and rental assistance.
The freeze not only could have an impact on the research itself but could also impact those involved in the research. “A lot of people are hired to help [with research] because they are big projects,” Houmard said. “I have students and faculty getting their salary from these grants and I’m more concerned about people feeding their families.”
If the federal funding freeze is restored, it is unclear how federally funded research plans will continue, though it is possible that “researchers can seek funding from private foundations,” Hedge said. “Especially if the research priorities of private foundations are in sync with researchers’ ongoing research and its objectives.”
ECU’s Office of Research and Administration is continuing to monitor the freeze as well as providing continuous updates regarding the potential pause of federal loans and grants. Despite the potential freeze, the Office of Research advises researchers to continue with their research as well as continue developing research proposals.