Johns Hopkins, universities sue NIH over funding cuts

Johns Hopkins University has joined a federal lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding the agency's decision to cap indirect costs for research grants at 15%, a significant reduction from previous rates. This lawsuit, which includes other prominent institutions like Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania, argues that the funding cuts could severely hinder medical research and disrupt ongoing clinical trials. The NIH's policy shift is presented as a cost-saving measure by the Trump administration but is criticized by universities as a threat to vital research infrastructure and public health initiatives. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the NIH from implementing the cuts while the case is examined, with university officials stressing the importance of indirect costs for maintaining essential research operations. The lawsuit highlights that these funding cuts could jeopardize thousands of clinical trials and potentially impact patients with serious health conditions. Institutions involved in the lawsuit collectively emphasize the need for adequate funding to uphold the United States' leadership in scientific research and innovation.