Federal Policy Primer and Discussion Guide: The Research Enterprise
A guide to help education leaders navigate the 2025 presidential transition and related federal changes
President Trump’s second term has brought significant challenges for higher education’s research enterprise through actions such as the mass funding freeze, the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) proposed cap on Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs, stricter visa vetting processes, and increased immigration enforcement.
These policy changes affect many colleges and universities, but most acutely those with large research enterprises that rely on federal funds for essential research infrastructure (through F&A), international faculty and staff, and numerous (often large) grants and contracts. University leaders must understand how to navigate this complex, rapidly changing policy environment while balancing legal obligations with their commitment to fostering a strong research enterprise.
Download our policy primer for help unpacking the following topics:
- What’s changed in research funding: How recent orders and legislation affect the research enterprise generally and the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs specifically
- What’s changed for the research workforce: How changes to immigration and enforcement affect the research enterprise—noting that many international faculty and staff are the core of higher education research
- What hasn’t changed…yet: Where policies associated with either Trump’s first administration or the campaign may go
Strategic questions every team should be discussing right now
As you review this policy primer and consider the implications of recent changes that affect the research enterprise, use the following discussion questions to inform your institution’s next steps. We suggest engaging your cabinet, with the following specific stakeholders top of mind: Vice President for Research, Chief Financial or Business Officer, Chief Advancement Officer, Chief Human Relations Officer, and your General Counsel.
- What policies, guidelines, and values will we adhere to when navigating issues related to our research enterprise, specifically around funding and workforce, throughout the Trump administration?
- How can we sustain a compelling and differentiated value proposition for international staff and faculty who may be deterred by a less welcoming national climate?
- With so much uncertainty around what the administration will or won’t do to restrict funds, what level of financial risk are we willing to tolerate when weighing differences between federal priorities and institutional values?
- All three of the issues mentioned on the “What Hasn’t Changed … Yet” page (impact of the America First Investment Policy, changes to research security and compliance, and changes to H1-B visas and “OPT”) have fates that are uncertain, and there is considerable room for good ideas to prevail. Which issues matter most to our institution, and which solutions would we advocate for in each case?
Want more guidance on how to prepare for what’s next? To learn about EAB’s scenario planning workshop, contact your Strategic Leader or email [email protected].
More Resources
F&A Communications Toolkit
Communicate the Value of University Research to External Stakeholders
