Uncertain Funding, Unwavering Research: How Clinical Research Can Prevail

Recent funding terminations have sent shockwaves through the clinical research community. Many clinical sites now face the need to reassess their operations and viability. Abrupt losses disrupt trials, impact personnel, and potentially compromise patient care. South Africa was recently hit by these terminations, with the University of the Witwatersrand’s Wits Health Consortium receiving a cancellation letter for a grant of $2.5 million through an award from the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). More South African universities may receive similar notices in the coming weeks. Reports from the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, citing a leaked NIH memo dated March 25th, indicate a broader suspension of research awards to South African entities. You can access the leaked memo here: Bhekisisa article on NIH funding terminations. These terminations are causing significant stress and uncertainty for researchers, who are dedicated to advancing critical studies.

In the United States, Columbia University has faced funding terminations related to HIV/AIDS research. In March 2025, federal agencies announced the cancellation of approximately $400 million in grants and contracts. This significantly impacts the university’s HIV/AIDS research and associated trials.

Learning from the Past

This isn’t the first time politically motivated funding terminations have impacted scientific research. In the early 2000s, restrictions on federal embryonic stem cell research forced scientists to find workarounds. Research teams adapted by:

• Securing private and state funding: Organizations like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute provided grants. Some US states, most notably California, stepped in with their own funding through the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

• Collaborating internationally: Scientists partnered with institutions in countries with fewer restrictions, such as Singapore, where stem cell research was well-supported.

These past experiences demonstrate resilience and offer valuable insights for clinical sites facing current funding challenges.

Diversifying Resources in Turbulent Times

To navigate these turbulent times, research teams can explore the following strategies:

• Private Funding Groups: Seek funding from organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other philanthropic groups.

• Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with pharmaceutical and biotech companies that may be willing to fund studies that align with their research priorities.

• International Collaborations: Partner with research institutions in countries not impacted by U.S. funding restrictions.

• Crowdfunding and Institutional Support: Use crowdfunding platforms for smaller-scale funding and leverage institutional resources for emergency funding to keep critical research afloat.

Staying Informed

Monitoring grant statuses is essential. Use these resources:

• eRA Commons (Internal Platform) – This website allows grant recipients to check the status of their funding.

• NIH RePORTER (Public Platform) – A searchable database of NIH-funded projects. You can find budget end dates under the “Details” section of each project.

• HHS TAGGS (Public Platform) – The Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS), which provides details on grants from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The front page of the website has a link to terminated grants.

The Path Forward

The loss of funding at institutions like the University of the Witwatersrand and Columbia University underscores the vulnerability of research to political shifts. However, history has shown that the scientific community is resilient. By diversifying funding sources, strengthening collaborations, and staying informed, sites can continue their research efforts despite these setbacks.