VCR message on federal transition and sponsored programs (Jan. 24, 2025)

Dear Campus Colleagues,

Transitioning to a new administration involves a period of uncertainty, including temporary pauses in activities. My office and others on campus have heard questions from our UW–Madison community about the impact of recent executive orders and a communications pause at several federal agencies. At this point, changes to research and sponsored programs at UW–Madison, and the impact on our partners, remain unclear and are evolving rapidly.

Chancellor Mnookin has convened a group to track and respond to the latest executive orders and congressional activity. The group is led by the Office of University Relations and includes leadership from across campus, including Strategic Communication, the Provost’s Office, the Office of Legal Affairs, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and others.

Researchers should expect limited communication from federal agencies until this transition is complete. Please continue operating as usual, following grant, proposal, or funding deadlines and instructions as they are currently posted until further information is updated, and work through your dean’s offices on grant proposal and administration processes.

For example, we have received a question about NIH submission deadlines coming up in February. Researchers should not change their plans to submit. However, everyone should be alert and adaptable as new information and directions become clear with respect to federal research opportunities orders. The Office of Federal Relations will be sharing relevant information on its website, https://federalrelations.wisc.edu/, and we plan to establish a page on the RSP site to collect formal agency announcements related to grants as well.

As further guidance and clarity emerge, we will provide updates to keep you informed and supported. Thank you for your continuing commitment to our work as we navigate this future together.

Sincerely,

Dorota A. Grejner-Brzezinska, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Research
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Member, National Academy of Engineering
Member, National Science Board
Principal Investigator – NSF Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA)