New Guidance for Federal Award Activities

February 26, 2025

 

Dear Colleagues, 

I am writing to update you on recent developments with federal research awards and provide new guidance on responding to award terminations.

Over the last week, we have received a significantly increased number of award termination letters from federal agencies. These letters have explained the terminations by saying that the funded research no longer aligns with the priorities of the agency.

I want to acknowledge the professional and personal impact these award terminations are having on you, your research teams, and the larger research community. Meeting and talking with you every day, I am continuously reminded of what an extraordinary community this is, and I greatly appreciate the support you all are providing to one another. Please remember that additional support is available to you and your colleagues through FSAP and Student Mental Health and Wellbeing. 

If you receive an award termination letter, please immediately do the following: 

  • Notify your department/unit administrator who will serve as your primary point of contact for navigating the termination process. 
  • Notify the Contracts and Grants award team ([email protected]) who will assist you and your department in responding. 
  • If you have graduate students affected by your award termination, notify the graduate division for assistance. 

Additional details on responding to award termination letters are available in the Office of Research FAQs. These include details on the appeals process, strategies for communicating with your research teams, and details on working with labor and employee relations to navigate personnel actions. 

UCSF leadership is working daily with UC Office of the President and other stakeholders to advocate for you and your research. Chancellor Hawgood and Provost Lucey are deeply engaged, and they are planning a leadership discussion with the research community for April. In the interim, I will be sure to keep you updated as new information becomes available.  

Thank you for your continued dedication and leadership. 

Sincerely,

Harold R. Collard, MD, MS 

Vice Chancellor for Research 

Professor of Medicine and Health Policy