The UNMC research community gathered Thursday, Feb. 20, for updates on the federal transition, the status of executive orders and the effects on UNMC research and research advocacy.
In opening remarks, UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, thanked the research community for its work, saying: “No matter what’s happening, remember our mission has not changed. Our values have not changed: innovation, teamwork, excellence, accountability, courage and healing.”
He also announced good news: UNMC has been designated an R1 institution by Carnegie, a classification that places it among the top research and doctoral-degree universities in the country. In 2025, UNMC is one of only 187 universities in the country, among close to 4,000, to receive the designation, which is based on research activity and number of research doctorates granted.
The designation, he said is not just about prestige, but also reflects the economic impact and value UNMC has on the communities it serves.
UNMC Vice Chancellor for Research Ken Bayles, PhD, echoed that praise, saying, “It’s recognition of the talent and expertise we have here at UNMC.”
During the forum, Drs. Davies and Bayles were joined by Jeff Kratz, director of government relations for UNMC; David Doty, director of UNMC’s Sponsored Programs Administration; Tess Kuenstling, PhD, assistant vice chancellor for research resources for UNMC; Rusty McCulloh, MD, associate vice chancellor of clinical research for UNMC; and Matt Blomstedt, PhD, associate vice president for government relations for the University of Nebraska System.
Updates were given – and questions answered – on topics ranging from the status of the National Institutes of Health capping facilities and administrative indirect cost reimbursements to freezes on study section reviews to the team having regular communication with colleagues across the NU System, as well as state and federal lawmakers.
Nationally, institutions are not receiving funding for newly awarded grants at this time, Doty said, although no-cost extensions and non-competitive renewals are being fulfilled. Dr. Bayles encouraged researchers to continue submitting grant proposals until advised otherwise, and Dr. Kuenstling said UNMC is working to support its VA partners, including researchers with VA funding, since the organization remains in a hiring freeze.
Dr. McCulloh noted there is strength and stability within UNMC’s clinical trials portfolio, which includes industry and federally sponsored research. No changes have been made to the clinical trials operations at this time, he said.
“It’s important, for our own mental health, to not let this, as best we can, reduce our productivity,” Dr. Bayles said. “We’re in this because we love science; so, we have to work on the science and block out the noise.”
Individuals who want to channel their energy as an advocate for science and research may do so, Dr. Blomstedt said. “You’re empowered to educate policy makers,” he said through professional organizations, as experts in your field and in one’s professional or personal capacity.
The campus community is encouraged to visit UNMC’s federal transition webpage for the latest updates, advocacy tools, recent UNMC and NU communications and more.