New NIH Grant Cap Puts Critical Research at Risk

Dear NCS Members,

The Neurocritical Care Society (NCS) is committed to advocating for policies that support scientific discovery, medical advancements and continued improvement of patient care.

Today, we are reaching out to ensure our community is aware of a critical issue affecting federally funded research in the United States. A new directive capping facilities and administration costs for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants at 15% threatens essential research infrastructure and progress on lifesaving treatments. While a temporary pause has been issued nationwide on plans by NIH to cap these costs, we wanted to share with you some collaborative activities being pursued by NCS during these times of transition and rapidly evolving policy landscape.

The American Brain Coalition (ABC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing brain research, promoting awareness and advocating for policies that benefit individuals with neurological disorders. NCS is a member of this coalition, alongside more than 100 other professional associations and societies. This collaboration enables partnerships that help amplify the voice of NCS’s mission and values to a broad medical and legislative community. The ABC released the statement below calling for the U.S. administration to withdraw the above directive.

ABC Statement and Action Alert on Devastating Cuts to NIH Research

February 10, 2025

As you are likely aware, late on Friday the administration released a new directive capping facilities and administration costs for NIH grants at 15%, threatening critical research infrastructure and progress on lifesaving treatments. These cuts would severely impact federally funded institutions and biomedical innovation. This afternoon, attorneys general from 22 states filed a lawsuit against the administration and asking a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order and declare the new policy illegal. ABC has released a statement calling on the administration to withdraw the policy.

We need to ensure that Congress understands the impacts these cuts will have on federally funded research across the country. We urge you to take action by contacting your legislators and calling on them to oppose these harmful cuts.

AAMC has made several helpful resources available, including an infographic illustrating the expenses supported by indirect costs and an FAQ.

ABC will continue to follow this issue and keep our members apprised of important developments. 

Our Commitment to You

NCS remains dedicated to supporting the broader neurocritical care community and advancing the research that drives innovation in the field. As the federal policy landscape continues to evolve, we are actively monitoring developments, engaging with medical societies and nonprofit organizations and advocating on behalf of the neurocritical care community and the patients we serve. We will keep you informed about important updates as they arise.

What You Can Do

If your research, funding or institution is affected—or if you anticipate challenges due to reduced funding—please email NCS at info@neurocriticalcare.org to share your experience. Your insights will help us illustrate the real-world consequences that implementation of these policies would have and highlight the need for continued research funding.

For members in the United States, please feel free to reach out to your local representatives as a private citizen to express any concerns. ABC offers recommended messaging and outreach methods listed on this web page.

We realize there is great uncertainty about where these issues will ultimately land on a national level. We wholeheartedly support our members in the important and impactful research they’re doing in the field of neurocritical care. We encourage you to continue your efforts so that we can continue to strive to provide scientific insights, new treatment options and hopefully cures to improve the lives and outcomes of our patients.

Susan Yeager, DNP, RN, CCRN, ACNP-BC, FNCS

President, Neurocritical Care Society