Michael Datko
@michaeldatko.bsky.social
Research scientist in clinical, translational, and affective neuroscience, junior faculty @ Harvard Med | Cambridge Health Alliance | MGH. Interested in interoception, pain, meditation, photography.
Reposted by Michael Datko
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is being decimated right now. Mass layoffs happening across agencies (NIH, FDA, CDC etc).
Some employees found out by security badge being denied. Others got email.
Line outside Health Resources and Services Administration this AM shared with me:
Some employees found out by security badge being denied. Others got email.
Line outside Health Resources and Services Administration this AM shared with me:
April 1, 2025 at 1:48 PM
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is being decimated right now. Mass layoffs happening across agencies (NIH, FDA, CDC etc).
Some employees found out by security badge being denied. Others got email.
Line outside Health Resources and Services Administration this AM shared with me:
Some employees found out by security badge being denied. Others got email.
Line outside Health Resources and Services Administration this AM shared with me:
Reposted by Michael Datko
Last Friday, 1,000 more NIH biomedical research projects were defunded with no notice
Here’s a word cloud of canceled grants, based on their titles
Here’s a word cloud of canceled grants, based on their titles
my word cloud on these titles (minus Columbia) - any patterns emerge?
March 23, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Last Friday, 1,000 more NIH biomedical research projects were defunded with no notice
Here’s a word cloud of canceled grants, based on their titles
Here’s a word cloud of canceled grants, based on their titles
Reposted by Michael Datko
I was just present as a valued colleague received an email that her NIH grant was terminated. I cannot fully convey the agony of the senseless destruction of the U.S. research infrastructure. It accomplishes NOTHING positive. It is a malicious attack on scientists who support the public’s health.
March 20, 2025 at 9:28 PM
I was just present as a valued colleague received an email that her NIH grant was terminated. I cannot fully convey the agony of the senseless destruction of the U.S. research infrastructure. It accomplishes NOTHING positive. It is a malicious attack on scientists who support the public’s health.
Reposted by Michael Datko
If this doesn't feel like fascism to you because things are still mostly normal at work and school and the vacation is still planned, congratulations you've just learned what fascism is like.
It is insidious. It will initially target only the most vulnerable — people who probably aren't like you.
It is insidious. It will initially target only the most vulnerable — people who probably aren't like you.
March 11, 2025 at 1:41 AM
If this doesn't feel like fascism to you because things are still mostly normal at work and school and the vacation is still planned, congratulations you've just learned what fascism is like.
It is insidious. It will initially target only the most vulnerable — people who probably aren't like you.
It is insidious. It will initially target only the most vulnerable — people who probably aren't like you.
Reposted by Michael Datko
We're thrilled to announce the BlueSky debut of the MGH Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging!
Follow us for research updates, collaborations, and insights into the world of imaging. Or just say hello. We always love hearing from you.
#Science #BiomedicalImaging #SuperAwesomeResearchers&Staff
Follow us for research updates, collaborations, and insights into the world of imaging. Or just say hello. We always love hearing from you.
#Science #BiomedicalImaging #SuperAwesomeResearchers&Staff
March 10, 2025 at 7:34 PM
We're thrilled to announce the BlueSky debut of the MGH Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging!
Follow us for research updates, collaborations, and insights into the world of imaging. Or just say hello. We always love hearing from you.
#Science #BiomedicalImaging #SuperAwesomeResearchers&Staff
Follow us for research updates, collaborations, and insights into the world of imaging. Or just say hello. We always love hearing from you.
#Science #BiomedicalImaging #SuperAwesomeResearchers&Staff
Reposted by Michael Datko
NEW: The NIH has begun terminating grants for active projects studying gender identity, DEI, environmental justice, climate change, among other topics.
At least 16 termination letters have already been sent — and hundreds more are coming, people inside NIH tell me.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
At least 16 termination letters have already been sent — and hundreds more are coming, people inside NIH tell me.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Exclusive: NIH to terminate hundreds of active research grants
Studies that touch on LGBT+ health, gender identity and DEI in the biomedical workforce could be terminated, according to documents obtained by Nature.
www.nature.com
March 6, 2025 at 2:17 AM
NEW: The NIH has begun terminating grants for active projects studying gender identity, DEI, environmental justice, climate change, among other topics.
At least 16 termination letters have already been sent — and hundreds more are coming, people inside NIH tell me.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
At least 16 termination letters have already been sent — and hundreds more are coming, people inside NIH tell me.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Michael Datko
I got laid off today, with the rest of 18F.
18F was an elite federal software shop. We made gov't websites work better, more efficiently for the American people. We saved taxpayers from getting screwed over by contractors. And were fired for it.
We made this website to tell our story:
18f.org
18F was an elite federal software shop. We made gov't websites work better, more efficiently for the American people. We saved taxpayers from getting screwed over by contractors. And were fired for it.
We made this website to tell our story:
18f.org
We're not done yet | 18F
18f.org
March 1, 2025 at 10:38 PM
I got laid off today, with the rest of 18F.
18F was an elite federal software shop. We made gov't websites work better, more efficiently for the American people. We saved taxpayers from getting screwed over by contractors. And were fired for it.
We made this website to tell our story:
18f.org
18F was an elite federal software shop. We made gov't websites work better, more efficiently for the American people. We saved taxpayers from getting screwed over by contractors. And were fired for it.
We made this website to tell our story:
18f.org
Reposted by Michael Datko
I talked to NIH officials, current and former, about what's been happening inside the agency since the Trump administration shut down their grantmaking pipeline in January. Their stories showed just how willing our new leaders are to break the law: www.theatlantic.com/health/archi...
Inside the Collapse at NIH
Administration officials pressured NIH to avoid clear advice from the agency’s own lawyers to restart grant funding now.
www.theatlantic.com
February 27, 2025 at 4:13 PM
I talked to NIH officials, current and former, about what's been happening inside the agency since the Trump administration shut down their grantmaking pipeline in January. Their stories showed just how willing our new leaders are to break the law: www.theatlantic.com/health/archi...
Reposted by Michael Datko
I believe we have breaking news in Inside Medicine.
I spoke to a member of the FDA vaccine committee who confirmed that the meeting to decide the 2025-2026 flu shot composition was abruptly canceled today.
My on-the-record Q&A with the FDA advisor:
insidemedicine.substack.com/p/scoop-fda-...
I spoke to a member of the FDA vaccine committee who confirmed that the meeting to decide the 2025-2026 flu shot composition was abruptly canceled today.
My on-the-record Q&A with the FDA advisor:
insidemedicine.substack.com/p/scoop-fda-...
Scoop: FDA vaccine meeting abruptly canceled. Meeting was to determine 2025-2026 influenza vaccine composition.
Hi everyone,
open.substack.com
February 26, 2025 at 11:15 PM
I believe we have breaking news in Inside Medicine.
I spoke to a member of the FDA vaccine committee who confirmed that the meeting to decide the 2025-2026 flu shot composition was abruptly canceled today.
My on-the-record Q&A with the FDA advisor:
insidemedicine.substack.com/p/scoop-fda-...
I spoke to a member of the FDA vaccine committee who confirmed that the meeting to decide the 2025-2026 flu shot composition was abruptly canceled today.
My on-the-record Q&A with the FDA advisor:
insidemedicine.substack.com/p/scoop-fda-...
Reposted by Michael Datko
In my latest article for @science.org, I reflect on the current challenges faced by early-career researchers, including delays in grant reviews, uncertainty around NIH funding freezes and changes, and the critical need for continued support and advocacy.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
I’m an NIH-funded researcher, drowning in uncertainty
“I’ll keep doing what I can to move my research forward. But I, and so many others, can’t do this indefinitely,” this assistant professor writes
www.science.org
February 21, 2025 at 6:58 PM
In my latest article for @science.org, I reflect on the current challenges faced by early-career researchers, including delays in grant reviews, uncertainty around NIH funding freezes and changes, and the critical need for continued support and advocacy.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Michael Datko
This is bad.
NEW: @noaa.gov offices have been asked to search their grants for climate-related keywords, among other executive order-related terms. This could put climate grant-funding in the crosshairs if/once the judicial order holding the funding freeze back is lifted. www.axios.com/2025/02/09/n...
NOAA told to search its grants for climate change terms
The search would provide a list of NOAA's climate change-related grants.
www.axios.com
February 10, 2025 at 2:04 AM
This is bad.
Reposted by Michael Datko
NEW: The N.I.H. will cut about $4 Billion from federal research grants that support cancer, virus and heart disease research.
#Project2025 called for the cuts to end subsidies to "leftist" university agendas.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/u...
#Project2025 called for the cuts to end subsidies to "leftist" university agendas.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/u...
Deep Cuts to Medical Research Funds Could Hobble University Budgets
Grants from the National Institutes of Health come with additional money for overhead. Proposed funding cuts would leave colleges with large budget gaps.
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2025 at 2:17 AM
NEW: The N.I.H. will cut about $4 Billion from federal research grants that support cancer, virus and heart disease research.
#Project2025 called for the cuts to end subsidies to "leftist" university agendas.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/u...
#Project2025 called for the cuts to end subsidies to "leftist" university agendas.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/u...
Reposted by Michael Datko
Every University has a stable of lawyers and together they will form a thundering herd. The indirect cost cap, if left in place, could take down entire university towns. Every dollar of NIH funding returns $2.46 in economic activity. www.nih.gov/about-nih/wh...
Direct Economic Contributions
NIH directly supports the economy through investments in research institutions and job formation.
www.nih.gov
February 8, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Every University has a stable of lawyers and together they will form a thundering herd. The indirect cost cap, if left in place, could take down entire university towns. Every dollar of NIH funding returns $2.46 in economic activity. www.nih.gov/about-nih/wh...
Reposted by Michael Datko
The NIH announced it will slash billions of dollars of support to universities and research centers.
This is one of the biggest attacks on science we have ever seen. It could dismantle the biomedical research system, shut down clinical trials, and halt development of treatments.
This is one of the biggest attacks on science we have ever seen. It could dismantle the biomedical research system, shut down clinical trials, and halt development of treatments.
February 8, 2025 at 3:02 AM
The NIH announced it will slash billions of dollars of support to universities and research centers.
This is one of the biggest attacks on science we have ever seen. It could dismantle the biomedical research system, shut down clinical trials, and halt development of treatments.
This is one of the biggest attacks on science we have ever seen. It could dismantle the biomedical research system, shut down clinical trials, and halt development of treatments.
Reposted by Michael Datko
1. Today the NIH director issued a new directive slashing overhead rates to 15%.
I want to provide some context on what that means and why it matters.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
I want to provide some context on what that means and why it matters.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
NOT-OD-25-068: Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates NOT-OD-25-068. OD
grants.nih.gov
February 8, 2025 at 12:18 AM
1. Today the NIH director issued a new directive slashing overhead rates to 15%.
I want to provide some context on what that means and why it matters.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
I want to provide some context on what that means and why it matters.
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
Reposted by Michael Datko
Whoever Lindsey is, she's blowing up US science, and ceding current US science advantages to other countries, including China. That means cancer drugs, bioweapon defense, brain science, and more.
Hope her colleagues on the right realize they're helping China win!
Hope her colleagues on the right realize they're helping China win!
7. This order did not come out of nowhere. It was a core component of Lindsey Burke's Dept. of Education chapter in the Project 2025 report.
(Private foundations typically pay 10-15% overhead rates, and the logic of this comparison is made explicit in today's Supplemental Guidance from NIH.)
(Private foundations typically pay 10-15% overhead rates, and the logic of this comparison is made explicit in today's Supplemental Guidance from NIH.)
February 8, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Whoever Lindsey is, she's blowing up US science, and ceding current US science advantages to other countries, including China. That means cancer drugs, bioweapon defense, brain science, and more.
Hope her colleagues on the right realize they're helping China win!
Hope her colleagues on the right realize they're helping China win!
Reposted by Michael Datko
NEW from inside NIH: I am hearing that a “young” DOGE staffer now has access to eRA, the software system used to track/administer all NIH grants.
February 5, 2025 at 5:17 PM
NEW from inside NIH: I am hearing that a “young” DOGE staffer now has access to eRA, the software system used to track/administer all NIH grants.
Reposted by Michael Datko
New: Musk and his minions have illegally installed a commercial server to control federal HR databases that contain sensitive personal information, including SSNs, home addresses, and medical histories, according to an OPM staffer www.muskwatch.com/p/musk-assoc...
Musk associates given unfettered access to private data of government employees
The Musk-connected political hires include two recent high school graduates
www.muskwatch.com
February 3, 2025 at 4:48 PM
New: Musk and his minions have illegally installed a commercial server to control federal HR databases that contain sensitive personal information, including SSNs, home addresses, and medical histories, according to an OPM staffer www.muskwatch.com/p/musk-assoc...
Reposted by Michael Datko
fuck yes
BREAKING NEWS: 4:07
Anti-deportation protesters are blocking traffic on 101 Freeway in Los Angeles.
They want to stop Trump’s deportations of illegal migrants
Anti-deportation protesters are blocking traffic on 101 Freeway in Los Angeles.
They want to stop Trump’s deportations of illegal migrants
February 2, 2025 at 9:53 PM
fuck yes
Reposted by Michael Datko
More than 8,000 web pages across more than a dozen U.S. government websites have been taken down since Friday afternoon, a New York Times analysis found. The purges have removed information about vaccines, veterans’ care, hate crimes, scientific research and more.
Thousands of U.S. Government Web Pages Have Been Taken Down Since Friday
Federal agencies moved to satisfy Trump’s orders to remove topics like diversity initiatives and “gender ideology.”
nyti.ms
February 2, 2025 at 4:52 PM
More than 8,000 web pages across more than a dozen U.S. government websites have been taken down since Friday afternoon, a New York Times analysis found. The purges have removed information about vaccines, veterans’ care, hate crimes, scientific research and more.
Reposted by Michael Datko
BREAKING NEWS: CDC orders mass retraction and revision of submitted research across all science and medicine journals. Banned terms must be scrubbed.
Goes beyond MMWR +other CDC pubs. Applies to research already submitted to top medical journals.
Take a look.
open.substack.com/pub/insideme...
Goes beyond MMWR +other CDC pubs. Applies to research already submitted to top medical journals.
Take a look.
open.substack.com/pub/insideme...
BREAKING NEWS: CDC orders mass retraction and revision of submitted research across all science and medicine journals. Banned terms must be scrubbed.
Any unpublished manuscript mentioning certain topics, including gender and "LGBT," must be pulled or revised.
open.substack.com
February 1, 2025 at 9:20 PM
BREAKING NEWS: CDC orders mass retraction and revision of submitted research across all science and medicine journals. Banned terms must be scrubbed.
Goes beyond MMWR +other CDC pubs. Applies to research already submitted to top medical journals.
Take a look.
open.substack.com/pub/insideme...
Goes beyond MMWR +other CDC pubs. Applies to research already submitted to top medical journals.
Take a look.
open.substack.com/pub/insideme...
Reposted by Michael Datko
it's not hyperbolic to say we're witnessing a coup.
Exclusive: Musk aides lock government workers out of computer systems at US agency, sources say
Aides to Elon Musk charged with running the U.S. government human resources agency have locked career civil servants out of computer systems that contain the personal data of millions of federal employees, according to two agency officials.
www.reuters.com
January 31, 2025 at 8:23 PM
it's not hyperbolic to say we're witnessing a coup.
Reposted by Michael Datko
Since I was laid off from Vox a few weeks ago, I no longer cover public health for that outlet -- but I sure do stay in touch with my many sources at the CDC and in public health more broadly
The overwhelming msg they're getting this week is that this admin simply has no idea how anything works
The overwhelming msg they're getting this week is that this admin simply has no idea how anything works
January 31, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Since I was laid off from Vox a few weeks ago, I no longer cover public health for that outlet -- but I sure do stay in touch with my many sources at the CDC and in public health more broadly
The overwhelming msg they're getting this week is that this admin simply has no idea how anything works
The overwhelming msg they're getting this week is that this admin simply has no idea how anything works
Reposted by Michael Datko
again this is a full scale attack on constitutional government
January 31, 2025 at 10:10 PM
again this is a full scale attack on constitutional government