The ASCB has submitted its comments opposing the implementation of the White House draft regulations regarding federally funded research. The public is able to provide comments on these draft regulations until July 13, 2026.
If implemented, the regulations would make drastic changes to the way all federally funded research is conducted in the United States. The draft regulations make changes to the scientific process at every step along the research process from who reviews grants applications and the criteria by which they are reviewed all the way to who pays for publishing the grant outcomes.
The draft regulations include, among other changes:
- Shift of final authority for peer review decisions from career scientists and program officers to senior political appointees.
- Require that each approved award “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities.”
- Allow funding agencies to terminate active grants at any time and for any reason.
- Prohibit federally funded collaborations with researchers in designated “covered countries,” including China, Russia, and Iran.
- Require pre-approval for attendance at scientific conferences.
- Prohibit the use of federal funds for journal publication costs.
You can read an excellent review of the draft regulation on substack.
When you write your comments, you may want to use the following questions to craft your submission:
- Would someone without specialized scientific expertise have difficulty assessing its significance, rigor, or potential impact?
- How would nonscientific review of grants, restrictions on conference attendance, publication limitations, or grant termination authority affect your research program?
- If successful, how could your work advance scientific knowledge, improve health, drive innovation, strengthen the economy, or benefit society?
- Why is independent evaluation by scientists with relevant expertise essential to ensuring that the best research is funded?
- Why are conferences, collaborations, and publications important parts of the scientific process that contribute to progress in your field?
You can submit your comments here. You are able to write your comments on the website or submit them as an attachment. While the website will ask you for some information, it provides you the option to submit them anonymously.
About the Author:
Kevin M. Wilson serves as Vice President, Policy, Governance and Partnerships for The American Society for Cell Biology. He's worked as the Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Robert Weygand (D-RI) and as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI). He has a BA in Politics and American Government from the Catholic University of America. Email: kwilson@ascb.org
