Massachusetts' Research Future Hangs in the Balance

A Threat to Science and Hope

Massachusetts is grappling with a severe challenge. The state's research future is at risk due to cuts in federal funding. This is not just about money—it's about the progress of science and the hope it brings to many people.

Governor Healey Visits UMass Chan Medical School

Governor Maura Healey visited UMass Chan Medical School to witness firsthand the impact of funding cuts. She met with key figures, including Chancellor Michael Collins and Nobel Prize winner Craig C. Mello. They discussed how these cuts are affecting critical research areas such as:

Gene therapy
Rare diseases
HIV
Neuroscience

The Financial Impact

UMass Chan Medical School received $193 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) last year. However, they now face a $30 million shortfall due to delays in new grants. To mitigate this, the school has:

Reduced the incoming graduate class
Paused faculty recruitment
Laid off approximately 200 employees
Frozen all hiring and discretionary spending

A Warning from Governor Healey

Governor Healey emphasized that these cuts are not just financial—they are cuts to science and research. She warned that without action, the damage could be irreversible. Chancellor Collins added that research brings hope and expressed shock that it is being attacked.

The Broader Impact

During her visit, Governor Healey toured a lab and met with top school officials. They discussed how funding cuts are affecting:

Graduate training
Junior faculty careers
Special funding programs

A Critical Time for Massachusetts

The situation is dire. UMass Chan employs over 6,000 people and contributes over $2 billion to the economy. The cuts could jeopardize critical research and clinical trials, putting Massachusetts' research future at risk.