Impact of Potential Federal Sequestration on MIT Research Discussed by Zuber
In a letter sent by Maria Zuber, then Vice President for Research at MIT, on February 27, 2013, she outlined the potential impacts of federal sequestration on MIT’s research funding. The letter, addressed to all principal investigators (PIs) and research administrators, outlined several concerns, including significant reductions in federal research budgets, increased competition for limited funds, delays and disruptions to research projects, and negative effects on technological innovation and economic growth.
The Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) have also released statements urging Congress to avoid sequestration, emphasising the importance of maintaining federal funding for research and education. The AAU statement can be found here, while the APLU statement can be found here.
The letter from Zuber mentioned the President's request for 2013 funding, as well as the final 2012 appropriation. It also referred to notices from the National Institutes of Health (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-13-043.html) and the National Science Foundation (http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/in133/in133.pdf).
In the letter, Zuber urged PIs and Administrative Officers (AOs) to monitor accounts closely for early warning signs of overruns due to sequestration. She also advised PIs to maintain contact with their program officers for specific information regarding the potential effects of sequestration. The MIT Washington Office has also released a statement regarding the potential effects of sequestration on MIT research, which can be found here.
The letter further stated that the expected date for these cuts to take effect is March 1. In anticipation of sequestration, Dartmouth College's Leadership Council (DLC) has established a reserve for "hardship" cases.
PIs are asked to share the memo and any additional information regarding sequestration with staff who may be concerned about its potential effects. The statement from the AAU highlights the potential harm that sequestration could cause to research and education at universities. The Washington Post has published a special report on the potential impact of sequestration on federal agencies, which can be found here. Overall, the letter conveyed that sequestration posed a serious risk to MIT’s research enterprise and the broader scientific enterprise in the U.S. by constraining resources critical for discovery and education.
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