During the pandemic, health systems and affiliated universities had little time to think—they simply snapped into action because they had no choice. Competitors joined forces to focus on their communities, technology was instantly adopted (“Zoom” became a verb overnight), and innovative cross-staffing and models were born out of necessity (many remaining in place today).

This “all hands on deck” mindset is needed again in the face of NIH funding cuts (target of $4B). Fighting it in the courts may help buy some time or reduce the impact slightly, but serious cuts will endure for at least the next few years (and to debate the “why” may be a fool’s errand).

Research institutions that step boldly to recalibrate their strategies and operations immediately will be in a far better position to serve their mission. In addition to taking traditional measures internally, institutions may look to peers to share infrastructure and even consider openly coordinating scientific focus areas on a regional or national level. Modest reductions in personnel and overhead in a “wait and see” mode will not suffice.

I encourage you to read this short piece authored by members of our Academic Healthcare practice, Keith Graff and Andrea Wetmore, who share a range of actions that research institutions may consider.

Sincerely,