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Dear UMB Community,
The University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) close partnership with the federal government has been critical to our research success, and we are grateful for the support for that partnership. The funding we receive through competitive, merit-based grants enables groundbreaking discoveries, provides vital health care services, and advances the education of future leaders. As you know, recent developments at the federal level have introduced significant uncertainty regarding the future of federal research funding. Over the past several weeks, we have seen disruptions in the form of grant freezes, delays in reviews, and, in some cases, cancellations of research projects that are vital to our work.
Given the scale of UMB’s reliance on federal research funding, where nearly half of our budget derives from research and training grants, we understand that cuts or changes in federal support will have a profound impact across our institution. While the exact scope of these changes remains unclear, we anticipate that they might disrupt research and impact programs and faculty and staff positions in the coming months. We are committed to keeping you informed and engaged as we navigate these challenges.
As I’ve communicated previously, UMB is actively involved in advocating for the continuation of federal support for research universities and is exploring all avenues to minimize disruptions. We also are making careful, strategic decisions to reduce expenses while preserving the excellence of our core operations. We are working closely with academic leaders, financial officers, and other stakeholders to assess potential funding reductions and their impact on our work.
We also continue to monitor the evolving legal and regulatory landscape, particularly in areas related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. UMB has long been committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful community. In light of recent legal decisions, we are taking appropriate actions to ensure that our policies and practices remain in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, upholding our commitment to academic freedom, free speech, and the pursuit of justice for all members of our community.
We will remain steadfast in our commitment to UMB’s mission of advancing knowledge, health, and social justice. While the road ahead might be challenging and we will have difficult decisions to make that will change the face of UMB, we are united in our resolve to meet these challenges as a community. We will take every possible step to ensure the continued strength of our university while staying true to the values that have guided us throughout our history.
I have no doubt that with your collective strength, creativity, and unwavering dedication, we will navigate these challenges together and continue to move forward with purpose and resolve. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to UMB. I will continue to keep you informed as we plan for the future.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
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