Federal Policy Updates

Northwestern is monitoring changes in federal policies and their potential impacts on our community. We will use this space to provide updates and additional resources as they become available. 

University Messages

• Enabling vital research to continue (April 17)
  To support our research community in this period of uncertainty, the University will fund research that is subject to stop-work orders or the federal funding freeze.
• Update on federal funding (April 10, 2025)
  This situation is changing rapidly, but we are working quickly and deliberately to gather facts to help us understand and respond to this emerging crisis.
• Reports on federal funding freeze (April 8, 2025)
  We are working closely with members of our Board, deans and our administration to assess the impact of a reported federal funding freeze.
• Resources related to federal action on immigration and travel (April 1, 2025)
  We share the guidance and resources that are currently available while we continue to monitor the evolving federal activities and potential policy actions related to immigration and international travel.
• Staying true to our guiding principles (March 6, 2025)
  We commit to responding to whatever challenges come our way in a thoughtful, deliberative and inclusive way. These are some of our guiding principles as we make the many hard decisions in front of us.
• Responding to challenging issues (February 19, 2025)
  As guidance is issued and clarified, we are taking the necessary time to evaluate the rules and respond carefully and thoughtfully.
• Immediate measures to address financial challenges (February 12, 2025)
  After consultation with University leaders and Board of Trustees leadership, we have decided to take the following measures, effective immediately, to protect Northwestern and to best position the institution amid these myriad challenges.
• Update on NIH funding (February 10, 2025)
  On Friday, Feb. 7, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced proposed changes to the federal government's handling of indirect research costs (F&A).
• Northwestern’s Response to Federal Government Actions (January 29, 2025)
  As directives and legal challenges play out, Northwestern’s leadership is reviewing the orders and their potential impacts on our community.
• HHS Freezes (January 24, 2025)
  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a freeze on public communications, grant announcements, and Federal Advisory Committees, including NIH study sections.

Information and Impacts by Topic

Last Updated: April 17, 2025