Dear Members of the HMS and HSDM Quad Communities:

Late last week, we learned that the government has appealed the federal district court’s decision in favor of Harvard in the research funding case. Let me say clearly that Harvard continues to believe that the government’s termination of our research funding was unlawful, and we will continue to defend our important biomedical research.

Please see the message below from Harvard University CFO and Vice President for Finance Ritu Kalra and Senior Vice Provost for Research John Shaw.

We ask that you please continue to send any questions on federally sponsored research activity directly to our local offices: the Office for Research Administration and/or Office for Academic and Research Integrity. For HSDM, please also include Meghan O’Donnell. We will stay in close touch with Ara Tahmassian in OVPR and Kelly Morrison in OSP.

I know this appeal will cause concern for some in our community and reintroduce uncertainty about our capacity to continue to advance our scientific research. As we head into winter recess, I have been reflecting on this past year. It has not been easy, but I am encouraged by the outpouring of support for Harvard from so many of you. And I am moved because you have come together to advance the good work that we do.

As a community, we have emerged from this past year stronger and more dedicated to advancing research and discovery, teaching and learning, and service to others. For that, I am most grateful.

Sincerely,

George Q. Daley
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
Harvard University

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

Good morning,

On Thursday night, the federal government filed a notice of appeal with respect to the U.S. District Court’s September 3 ruling. As we shared in October, following that ruling, the majority of Harvard’s federal research grants and contracts were reinstated, and most of the funding on those previously frozen or terminated grants and contracts has been reimbursed.

For now, the federal district court’s September 3 ruling remains in place while this appeal moves forward. As we pursue our case in support of Harvard’s vital research mission, principal investigators should continue to work on federal grants and contracts and to submit new proposals to federal sponsors.

We recognize the challenges of the uncertain federal research funding landscape, and we will provide updates as appropriate.

Please communicate the information from this email to your School-based research community, and feel free to contact Kelly Morrison and Ara Tahmassian with any questions.

Best,

Ritu & John

Ritu Kalra
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance

John H. Shaw
Senior Vice Provost for Research