A federal judge in Boston has blocked an attempt by the Trump administration to slash funding for medical research grants, a move that universities and research institutions argued would lead to widespread layoffs, lab closures, and disruptions to critical studies.
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley, prevents the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from reducing reimbursements for “indirect costs”—funds used for infrastructure, faculty salaries, and equipment. The administration’s plan sought to cap these reimbursements at 15%, down from an average of 27% to 28%, aiming to save $4 billion annually.
Judge Kelley called the abrupt policy shift an “imminent risk” to life-saving clinical trials and innovative medical research, citing potential harm to ongoing projects and patient care. The decision follows lawsuits filed by 22 Democratic-led states, medical associations, and universities, who argued the cuts violated congressional funding restrictions.
The administration, which has framed the cuts as part of broader federal spending reductions, is expected to appeal. Meanwhile, research institutions celebrated the ruling as a victory for medical progress and scientific innovation.
