We continue to closely monitor developments at the federal level, including potential impacts to research funding, which may affect our WashU community. This page will be maintained to provide the latest updates as new information becomes available.
Visit the Federal Research Updates 2025 page for additional research-specific communications.
Latest communications
University continuing review of programs and activities in support of diversity, equity and inclusion
May 7, 2025
As the next step in this process, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin will appoint a committee to make recommendations to university leadership for how WashU can most effectively and efficiently achieve its community-focused goals and support its students, faculty and staff, while continuing to comply with federal guidance and laws.
Advocating for WashU and higher education
April 30, 2025 | Office of the Chancellor
The past few months have been a challenging time for American higher education. Our colleges and universities are in the national spotlight and under scrutiny on a number of fronts, including how we conduct research, how we support our communities, and even how we educate our students.
University to pause Danforth Campus construction projects
April 14, 2025
Washington University in St. Louis will pause construction on major capital projects on its Danforth Campus, in response to uncertainties regarding federal funding. Projects that will be put on hold will include planned improvements to Mudd Field, which began at the start of the year, and the new Arts & Sciences building, which was announced last fall.
Support for our international community
April 9, 2025 | Office of the Provost
I’m writing today first to offer the university’s support to our international students, faculty and staff. We are here to support you and make sure you have resources to manage the current uncertainty, as well as any challenges that may come your way.
Update on impact of federal actions
March 31, 2025 | Office of the Chancellor
We all have a role to play in shaping our financial future. We’re asking everyone to be prudent in their spending and give careful consideration to how university funds are used. Until we know more specifically what we’re facing, we are not making dramatic changes.
Indirect cost guidance
February 11, 2025 | Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
We recognize that the guidance coming out of the federal government has been confusing and rapidly changing. The recent guidance (NOT-OD-25-068) from the NIH cutting F&A to 15% has prompted multiple lawsuits. At this time, please adhere to the following guidance.
Update on research funding
February 8, 2025 | Office of the Chancellor
You likely have seen the news that the National Institutes of Health have made cuts to research funding for facilities and administration. These cuts also will be implemented by other federal agencies and stand to have a significant impact on institutions like WashU.
Conducting research while temporary restraining orders are litigated
February 6, 2025 | Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
Two U.S. District Court judges have issued temporary restraining orders that prevent federal agencies from taking any action against awards or obligations based on the Office of Management and Budget Memo and the President’s Executive Orders. As always, agencies may pause awards or obligations provided the action complies with the terms and conditions in the Notice of Award or funding agreement.
Update on Federal Directives
January 28, 2025 | Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
We continue to work as quickly as possible to review the new administration’s Executive Orders. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum, issued yesterday, “Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance,” directs federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal.”