Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
@sarahdobson.co
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
🚨 URGENT RESPONSE CALL 🚨
Trump’s Fool’s Gold Science EO is a dangerous sham.
It gives his appointees the power to dismiss entire bodies of research and punish researchers who fail to fall in line with his agenda.
We’ve launched an open letter.
SIGN & SHARE NOW: actionnetwork.org/petitions/op...
Trump’s Fool’s Gold Science EO is a dangerous sham.
It gives his appointees the power to dismiss entire bodies of research and punish researchers who fail to fall in line with his agenda.
We’ve launched an open letter.
SIGN & SHARE NOW: actionnetwork.org/petitions/op...
Sign The Open Letter to Stand Up For Science Now!
Science is under siege. Trump’s latest Executive Order calls for politically appointed science commissars to evaluate research. Join us in adding your name to our open letter condemning Trump’s escala...
actionnetwork.org
May 26, 2025 at 4:19 PM
🚨 URGENT RESPONSE CALL 🚨
Trump’s Fool’s Gold Science EO is a dangerous sham.
It gives his appointees the power to dismiss entire bodies of research and punish researchers who fail to fall in line with his agenda.
We’ve launched an open letter.
SIGN & SHARE NOW: actionnetwork.org/petitions/op...
Trump’s Fool’s Gold Science EO is a dangerous sham.
It gives his appointees the power to dismiss entire bodies of research and punish researchers who fail to fall in line with his agenda.
We’ve launched an open letter.
SIGN & SHARE NOW: actionnetwork.org/petitions/op...
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
"This brings the total number of terminations in our NIH database to over 1500 and $7.5 billion in total value."
⛔️ Big NIH update:
We just learned of 726 more NIH grants that were terminated sometime over the past 2 months.
A huge number of diversity supps, diversity F31s, and diversity training grants. See below ⤵️
View them here: grant-watch.us/nih-data.html
h/t to @noamross.net for processing them.
We just learned of 726 more NIH grants that were terminated sometime over the past 2 months.
A huge number of diversity supps, diversity F31s, and diversity training grants. See below ⤵️
View them here: grant-watch.us/nih-data.html
h/t to @noamross.net for processing them.
May 20, 2025 at 9:10 PM
"This brings the total number of terminations in our NIH database to over 1500 and $7.5 billion in total value."
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
My ongoing request:
If your NSF or NIH grant was terminated--whether at Harvard or elsewhere--please report it here.
NSF: grant-watch.us/submit-nsf.h...
NIH: grant-watch.us/submit-nih.h...
Our trackers are actively used in lawsuits and are often the only record that terminations ever occurred.
If your NSF or NIH grant was terminated--whether at Harvard or elsewhere--please report it here.
NSF: grant-watch.us/submit-nsf.h...
NIH: grant-watch.us/submit-nih.h...
Our trackers are actively used in lawsuits and are often the only record that terminations ever occurred.
NSF appears to be terminating hundreds of its grants to Harvard, per internal sources at NSF and at Harvard. At least one division has had all its grants cut.
May 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
My ongoing request:
If your NSF or NIH grant was terminated--whether at Harvard or elsewhere--please report it here.
NSF: grant-watch.us/submit-nsf.h...
NIH: grant-watch.us/submit-nih.h...
Our trackers are actively used in lawsuits and are often the only record that terminations ever occurred.
If your NSF or NIH grant was terminated--whether at Harvard or elsewhere--please report it here.
NSF: grant-watch.us/submit-nsf.h...
NIH: grant-watch.us/submit-nih.h...
Our trackers are actively used in lawsuits and are often the only record that terminations ever occurred.
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
Now available online; definitely a worthwhile view and covers many of the high points of the past several months
www.cbsnews.com/video/nih-cu...
www.cbsnews.com/video/nih-cu...
Federal cuts to National Institutes of Health could threaten medical progress
Former National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins, who abruptly left his NIH research lab in February, fears aggressive downsizing could impact Americans’ health.
www.cbsnews.com
April 28, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
The sheer volume of time and energy being spent by thousands of university-based researchers in *every* field right now to figure out if their funding will exist next month or next year, if their careers can even continue… just citing dollar values doesn’t do it justice, it is full-scale upheaval.
April 1, 2025 at 12:46 AM
The sheer volume of time and energy being spent by thousands of university-based researchers in *every* field right now to figure out if their funding will exist next month or next year, if their careers can even continue… just citing dollar values doesn’t do it justice, it is full-scale upheaval.
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
crucial information about the environment that underlies many of these NIH grant terminations and cancellations: happening centrally, above and w/o very much info to ICs, but ICs are the ones that are responsible for handling appeals. This disconnect likely to influence effective of handling appeals
March 28, 2025 at 4:49 PM
crucial information about the environment that underlies many of these NIH grant terminations and cancellations: happening centrally, above and w/o very much info to ICs, but ICs are the ones that are responsible for handling appeals. This disconnect likely to influence effective of handling appeals
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
There have always been segregationists in the academy. There will always be segregationists in the academy. What a horrifying mistake it would be, in this moment, to center those voices and their vision of science by and for whites in America
"I am an NIH-funded biomedical scientist with conservative leanings. I know at least a dozen scientists who voted for Trump, largely because of frustrations with DEl and extreme wokeness that had permeated every aspect of University life.
Each of us deeply regrets their vote..."
More in thread- 1/
Each of us deeply regrets their vote..."
More in thread- 1/
March 18, 2025 at 1:05 PM
There have always been segregationists in the academy. There will always be segregationists in the academy. What a horrifying mistake it would be, in this moment, to center those voices and their vision of science by and for whites in America
AI tools need to be approached with caution when writing research grants—but they might be able help you find funding sources.
March 14, 2025 at 4:04 PM
AI tools need to be approached with caution when writing research grants—but they might be able help you find funding sources.
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
Back on my CSR retcon investigation🕵️♀️
Today I searched all CSR study sections scheduled for 2/17-3/7. I got just 31 results, 5 of which did meet.
Actual number of study sections originally scheduled for that date range: 140!!! CSR has erased the postponement of >100 sections from public record.
Today I searched all CSR study sections scheduled for 2/17-3/7. I got just 31 results, 5 of which did meet.
Actual number of study sections originally scheduled for that date range: 140!!! CSR has erased the postponement of >100 sections from public record.
March 9, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Back on my CSR retcon investigation🕵️♀️
Today I searched all CSR study sections scheduled for 2/17-3/7. I got just 31 results, 5 of which did meet.
Actual number of study sections originally scheduled for that date range: 140!!! CSR has erased the postponement of >100 sections from public record.
Today I searched all CSR study sections scheduled for 2/17-3/7. I got just 31 results, 5 of which did meet.
Actual number of study sections originally scheduled for that date range: 140!!! CSR has erased the postponement of >100 sections from public record.
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
NIH announces it is moving all grant review to the Center for Scientific Review. CSR already handled most, but this pulls around a quarter of study sections out of the individual institutes and centers.
One source told me they think they'll use this as part of the RIFs.
One source told me they think they'll use this as part of the RIFs.
NIH centralizes peer review to improve efficiency and strengthen integrity
The proposed approach is expected to save more than $65 million annually.
www.nih.gov
March 6, 2025 at 10:52 PM
NIH announces it is moving all grant review to the Center for Scientific Review. CSR already handled most, but this pulls around a quarter of study sections out of the individual institutes and centers.
One source told me they think they'll use this as part of the RIFs.
One source told me they think they'll use this as part of the RIFs.
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
"In an unprecedented move, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has begun mass terminations of research grants that fund active scientific projects because they no longer meet 'agency priorities'"
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
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 3:08 AM
"In an unprecedented move, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has begun mass terminations of research grants that fund active scientific projects because they no longer meet 'agency priorities'"
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
The uncertainty in NIH funding has left many researchers feeling stuck. Here’s how to protect your mental health and stay focused.👇
March 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The uncertainty in NIH funding has left many researchers feeling stuck. Here’s how to protect your mental health and stay focused.👇
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
I know plenty of scientists are willing to throw equity under the bus to get and stay funded. I KNOW THEY ARE.
But know this: we have a poorer version of science, a weaker pathway to innovation, an incomplete development of health benefits that benefit ALL Americans, if we take this path.
But know this: we have a poorer version of science, a weaker pathway to innovation, an incomplete development of health benefits that benefit ALL Americans, if we take this path.
I want the grad students funded and protected. I want the campuses vibrant and bustling. I want our society to understand that the well-being of scientists is critical infrastructure for the future. I want science culture to finally admit that too.
March 3, 2025 at 3:55 PM
I know plenty of scientists are willing to throw equity under the bus to get and stay funded. I KNOW THEY ARE.
But know this: we have a poorer version of science, a weaker pathway to innovation, an incomplete development of health benefits that benefit ALL Americans, if we take this path.
But know this: we have a poorer version of science, a weaker pathway to innovation, an incomplete development of health benefits that benefit ALL Americans, if we take this path.
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
Your silence will not save you.
The people in power intend to completely annihilate scientific infrastructure, capacity, & research in the US. No institution will be spared if its mission is to advance science.
Everyone is already a target, whether you speak up or not. So, institutions, consider speaking up.
Everyone is already a target, whether you speak up or not. So, institutions, consider speaking up.
March 2, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Your silence will not save you.
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
Scientists, PLEASE do not do this. The attempts to resegregate science are JUST AS IMPORTANT as the funding freeze and the cuts to F&A/indirects. All 3 topics demand our attention at this time.
I don't like to give fools the credit of a conspiracy, but 2 and 3 sure seem like a good way to advance 1. The existing structure would willingly cave on 1 to get 2 and 3 back.
February 28, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Scientists, PLEASE do not do this. The attempts to resegregate science are JUST AS IMPORTANT as the funding freeze and the cuts to F&A/indirects. All 3 topics demand our attention at this time.
Your research matters—no matter what’s happening with funding.
February 28, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Your research matters—no matter what’s happening with funding.
NIH funding uncertainty has made one thing clear: putting all your eggs in one basket is risky. (True for institutions AND individuals, btw)
If you haven't explored non-federal funding, now is the time. Here’s where to start:
If you haven't explored non-federal funding, now is the time. Here’s where to start:
February 24, 2025 at 8:54 PM
NIH funding uncertainty has made one thing clear: putting all your eggs in one basket is risky. (True for institutions AND individuals, btw)
If you haven't explored non-federal funding, now is the time. Here’s where to start:
If you haven't explored non-federal funding, now is the time. Here’s where to start:
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
3/4 Create a fund (senior researchers I am looking at you) to provide scholarships for new scientists to attend meetings.
Fan out and write op-eds, articles in local and national publications, about research, how it works, need for new funding sources, yield of research etc.
Fan out and write op-eds, articles in local and national publications, about research, how it works, need for new funding sources, yield of research etc.
February 22, 2025 at 3:22 PM
3/4 Create a fund (senior researchers I am looking at you) to provide scholarships for new scientists to attend meetings.
Fan out and write op-eds, articles in local and national publications, about research, how it works, need for new funding sources, yield of research etc.
Fan out and write op-eds, articles in local and national publications, about research, how it works, need for new funding sources, yield of research etc.
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
NIH indirects case update:
Hearing ongoing now, and I'll try to live tweet some notable exchanges.
Prior to more detailed arguments, Judge Kelley starts off with a few point questions to both sides:
(I'm paraphrasing here)
Hearing ongoing now, and I'll try to live tweet some notable exchanges.
Prior to more detailed arguments, Judge Kelley starts off with a few point questions to both sides:
(I'm paraphrasing here)
February 21, 2025 at 3:19 PM
NIH indirects case update:
Hearing ongoing now, and I'll try to live tweet some notable exchanges.
Prior to more detailed arguments, Judge Kelley starts off with a few point questions to both sides:
(I'm paraphrasing here)
Hearing ongoing now, and I'll try to live tweet some notable exchanges.
Prior to more detailed arguments, Judge Kelley starts off with a few point questions to both sides:
(I'm paraphrasing here)
Overwhelm isn’t just about having too much to do—it’s about misaligned priorities.
Here’s how to take back control.👇
Here’s how to take back control.👇
February 21, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Overwhelm isn’t just about having too much to do—it’s about misaligned priorities.
Here’s how to take back control.👇
Here’s how to take back control.👇
Planning an NIH grant in 2025? Shifting priorities and funding uncertainty mean you need a solid plan.
Here are 5 key steps to set yourself up for success.👇
Here are 5 key steps to set yourself up for success.👇
February 18, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Planning an NIH grant in 2025? Shifting priorities and funding uncertainty mean you need a solid plan.
Here are 5 key steps to set yourself up for success.👇
Here are 5 key steps to set yourself up for success.👇
The chaos of the last couple of weeks has left researchers wondering: What now?
Here’s how to stay on track.👇
Here’s how to stay on track.👇
February 12, 2025 at 8:28 PM
The chaos of the last couple of weeks has left researchers wondering: What now?
Here’s how to stay on track.👇
Here’s how to stay on track.👇
Reposted by Sarah Dobson | NIH grant consultant
For those curious about the purpose of “indirects,” I suggest this FAQ from AAU (thread to follow).
In the lingo of Musk et al - BLOF = this hurts economies, employment, science, & health. 🧵
www.aau.edu/key-issues/f...
In the lingo of Musk et al - BLOF = this hurts economies, employment, science, & health. 🧵
www.aau.edu/key-issues/f...
Frequently Asked Questions about Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs of Federally Sponsored University Research | Association of American Universities (AAU)
Responses to common questions about F&A costs of research
www.aau.edu
February 8, 2025 at 3:28 AM
For those curious about the purpose of “indirects,” I suggest this FAQ from AAU (thread to follow).
In the lingo of Musk et al - BLOF = this hurts economies, employment, science, & health. 🧵
www.aau.edu/key-issues/f...
In the lingo of Musk et al - BLOF = this hurts economies, employment, science, & health. 🧵
www.aau.edu/key-issues/f...
Are you making these common mistakes with your R01 preliminary data?
Most PIs miss a critical step—and it can cost them.
Most PIs miss a critical step—and it can cost them.
February 10, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Are you making these common mistakes with your R01 preliminary data?
Most PIs miss a critical step—and it can cost them.
Most PIs miss a critical step—and it can cost them.
Not all peer review feedback will align with your approach—and that’s okay.
Here’s how to use feedback as a tool to strengthen your grant.
Here’s how to use feedback as a tool to strengthen your grant.
February 5, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Not all peer review feedback will align with your approach—and that’s okay.
Here’s how to use feedback as a tool to strengthen your grant.
Here’s how to use feedback as a tool to strengthen your grant.