NIH Funding Cuts Could Impact UAMS Research Programs

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is implementing a cap on research project funding, limiting indirect cost reimbursements to 15%. The policy change could result in significant research budget cuts at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

According to KARK TV, In a grants policy statement released Friday, the NIH announced that any new grants issued will be subject to the 15% indirect cost rate. Currently, UAMS receives between $70 million and $75 million annually from the NIH, making it the primary recipient of NIH funding in Arkansas.

UAMS officials warn that the reduction in indirect costs—also known as facilities and administrative costs—will have a profound impact on research efforts. In a statement to KNWA/FOX24, a university spokesperson explained that UAMS’ current indirect cost reimbursement rate is 37%. Cutting that rate to 15% would result in an annualized loss of more than $10 million.

“That’s not a loss that can be easily absorbed by our university, especially given the fact that our clinical enterprise already significantly subsidizes our research and education missions,” the statement read.

Officials also emphasized that without sufficient funding to cover indirect costs, UAMS may be forced to scale back or discontinue some of its research programs—affecting not only the university but also public health in Arkansas.

UAMS research projects include studying viruses linked to cancer, the effects of physical activity on dementia patients, improving treatments for hormone loss, antibiotic resistance, pediatric care, and diabetes management.

With 70-80% of all NIH funding in Arkansas going to UAMS, the potential cuts could have widespread implications for the state’s medical research landscape.

   

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