New Legislation Could Revive UMass Chan Research Funding Amid Trump-Era Cuts

WORCESTER, MA — A new state funding initiative could have a positive impact on medical research at UMass Chan amid federal funding cuts.

Governor Maura Healy introduced the "Discovery, Research & Innovation for a Vibrant Economy" initiative on Thursday, according to a news release. The legislation is a $400 million strategy to grow the state's research economy and create thousands of new jobs.

Roughly half of the proposed funding from DRIVE will go toward a multiyear research funding pool to support projects at hospitals and universities. The other half will be placed into a higher education bridge funding reserve, according to the release.

“This is an investment in talent and research and know-how and innovation," said Gov. Healey.

UMass Chan said it is facing an approximately $60 million shortfall in NIH research funding because of long delays in approval since the Trump administration took office. The medical school said it is waiting on funding notices for 64 grant submissions.

To make up for the shortfall, UMass Chan said it has reduced an incoming class, paused faculty recruitment and furloughed or laid off 200 employees. But the DRIVE program would have a direct impact on the availability of funds for future research programs at the school.

“UMass Chan... is a research powerhouse, a gem, an asset for the commonwealth,” Healey said, according to the news release.

See More:

• Research Center at UMass Chan Celebrates New Name
• Shrewsbury Student Wins Big At National Competition