Academic workers from UC Davis, proudly donning their union colors, recently convened a pivotal town hall to confront the looming threat of significant federal research funding cuts. This critical gathering, attended beyond capacity by a dedicated community, underscored the profound impact these budgetary decisions could have not only on individual careers but also on the broader public good that vital academic research and education provide across the nation.
During the impassioned session, attendees shared personal accounts illustrating how proposed federal funding reductions have already manifested, with numerous federally funded grants delayed or even canceled. Many also confirmed knowledge of colleagues directly affected by these severe cutbacks, highlighting a widespread and immediate crisis within the higher education landscape, especially at institutions like UC Davis.
Ximena Anleu Gil, a key figure from United Auto Workers Local 4811, emphasized the critical economic returns of public research, noting that every dollar invested yields $2.50 back into the economy. She passionately argued that such advancements are entirely dependent on the diligent efforts of academic workers, from teaching assistants to postdoctoral scholars, who are the backbone of university research and teaching missions.
U.S. Representative Mike Thompson, a seasoned legislator with 27 years in Congress, voiced strong opposition to the proposed 35% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget for 2026. He labeled it a “nonsensical” decision that poses a grave threat to communities, workers, and the overall national economy, warning against a “race to the bottom” that compromises America’s leadership in global innovation and discovery.
UC Davis Provost Mary Croughan echoed these concerns, expressing gratitude for the widespread support for advocacy to preserve and increase research funding. She underscored that research is fundamental to UC Davis’s mission as a land-grant university, spanning diverse fields from agricultural sciences to marine biology and environmental studies, all contributing to solving complex global challenges.
Croughan detailed the university’s significant reliance on federal budget cuts, noting that the federal government contributed $450 million to UC Davis last year, accounting for nearly half of its total research funding. Combined with state support, this makes up a substantial portion of the university’s operating budget, making any reductions acutely impactful.
The potential ramifications of reduced federal support for new research awards are staggering, with Croughan projecting losses of $44 to $132 million next year, potentially accumulating to $500 million in overall cuts at UC Davis. Such drastic reductions, she warned, could lead to dire consequences, including the termination of vital research projects and the inability to recruit new students, severely hindering scientific progress and innovation, including her own pain research and food business initiatives. This scenario highlights the real-world impact of federal funding decisions.
The collective sentiment from the town hall was clear: the proposed cuts represent an unconscionable retreat from essential investments in human well-being and economic growth. The community remains steadfast in its advocacy for robust and consistent federal funding to ensure the continuity of groundbreaking research and the security of academic workers across the nation, safeguarding the future of discovery and public welfare.
