Research Funding
What’s at risk
Harvard is home to the world’s most cutting-edge medical, scientific, and technological research. For decades, that research has been supported by the federal government, among many other sponsors. That support is essential for the continuation of groundbreaking innovations that impact countless human lives.
Without federal funding, this work will come to a halt midstream, and researchers will lack necessary resources to finish ongoing projects or to finance new ones in the numerous fields Harvard supports, including:
“It’s through research that we can live longer, healthier lives.”
Harvard scientists discuss potential impacts of federal funding cuts — from U.S. brain drain to fewer medical breakthroughs.
Funding cuts to Harvard have a broad impact
Funding cuts to Harvard reverberate far beyond our campus. Each year, Harvard researchers partner with universities and hospitals across the country to utilize their expertise, gain new perspectives, and collaborate on solutions.
Recent funding cuts have impacted dozens of hospitals, universities, and research institutions across 32 states, from Morehouse School of Medicine to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to Texas Biomedical Research Institute.
By the numbers
Federal funding is the University’s largest source of support for research, playing a pivotal role in enabling studies that deliver widespread societal benefits. More than one third of research carried out at Harvard is funded directly by the University.
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402
Innovations reported by Harvard researchers in the 2024 fiscal year
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155
U.S. patents issued in 2024
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162
Number of Harvard Nobel laureates, including one from 2024
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$1 billion
research funding from a combination of federal, foundation, and industry sponsors in 2024
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$526 million
Research funded directly by the University in 2024
The history of federal funding and the real-world price if it’s halted
For 75 years, the federal government has partnered with academic institutions, fueling discoveries that have transformed medicine, saved lives, and positioned the United States as a global science leader. If this funding is halted it interrupts work on tuberculosis, chemotherapy, pandemic preparedness, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Antisemitism and Research Funding
The government claims to have taken this action because it says the University has not fulfilled its obligations to curb and combat antisemitic harassment.
Harvard continues to devote considerable effort to addressing antisemitism. We have strengthened our rules and our approach to disciplining those who violate them. We have enhanced training and education on antisemitism across our campus and introduced measures to support our Jewish community and ensure student safety and security. We have launched programs to promote civil dialogue and respectful disagreement inside and outside the classroom. We have adopted many other reforms, and we will continue to combat antisemitism and to foster a campus culture that includes and supports every member of our community. Curtailing research funding, however, will not help with this important work. What it will do is jeopardize lifesaving cures as well as work that ensures our nation’s economic and defense security.
- In the Media
Trump slashed funding for universities that helped create these vital drugs
Trump slashed funding for universities that helped create these vital drugs- In the Media
After funding halt, Harvard nurses health study scrambles to save 50 years of samples
- News
Court victory for Harvard in research funding fight
- Documents
Federal District Court Decision in Funding Freeze Litigation
- In the Media
Judge reverses Trump administration’s cuts of billions of dollars to Harvard University
