Chris J Fisher
@c-j-fisher.bsky.social
Ph.D. Chemical Biologist & Scientific Communicator 🧬
Digging on Science in Society 🥼
Consumer of Science Facts & Science Fiction 📚
Digging on Science in Society 🥼
Consumer of Science Facts & Science Fiction 📚
Pinned
Chris J Fisher
@c-j-fisher.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Hello, Bluesky faithful!
I'm a #ChemicalBiologist and scientific communicator navigating the interface between science and society to explore both technical and cultural connections.
Follow for R&D news and analysis, #SciComm musings, science in media, and more!
I'm a #ChemicalBiologist and scientific communicator navigating the interface between science and society to explore both technical and cultural connections.
Follow for R&D news and analysis, #SciComm musings, science in media, and more!
It's time for my annual reminder that turkey does NOT contain more #tryptophan than other meats, and the molecule is not the cause of your food coma!
Nevertheless, I hope this #science pun is enough to drive you off your screens for some well-deserved relaxation.
Happy Thanksgiving!
🧪 #SciComm
Nevertheless, I hope this #science pun is enough to drive you off your screens for some well-deserved relaxation.
Happy Thanksgiving!
🧪 #SciComm
November 27, 2025 at 5:17 PM
It's time for my annual reminder that turkey does NOT contain more #tryptophan than other meats, and the molecule is not the cause of your food coma!
Nevertheless, I hope this #science pun is enough to drive you off your screens for some well-deserved relaxation.
Happy Thanksgiving!
🧪 #SciComm
Nevertheless, I hope this #science pun is enough to drive you off your screens for some well-deserved relaxation.
Happy Thanksgiving!
🧪 #SciComm
I guess today is #FunFelineFactFriday because I have a cool tidbit about cats as a tool in research...and I don't mean as a model organism!
Did you know that crystallographers sometimes use cat whiskers to improve the size and quality of protein crystals for structural studies?
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Did you know that crystallographers sometimes use cat whiskers to improve the size and quality of protein crystals for structural studies?
(1/8) 🧪
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
I guess today is #FunFelineFactFriday because I have a cool tidbit about cats as a tool in research...and I don't mean as a model organism!
Did you know that crystallographers sometimes use cat whiskers to improve the size and quality of protein crystals for structural studies?
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Did you know that crystallographers sometimes use cat whiskers to improve the size and quality of protein crystals for structural studies?
(1/8) 🧪
I had an INCREDIBLE time at #ScienceWriters2025!
Huge thank you to @sciencewriters.org & @sciencewriting.bsky.social, as well as all the organizers, speakers, and attendees.
While I have many topics from the conference I aim to (eventually) discuss, I thought I'd share one cool activity.
(1/8) 🧪
Huge thank you to @sciencewriters.org & @sciencewriting.bsky.social, as well as all the organizers, speakers, and attendees.
While I have many topics from the conference I aim to (eventually) discuss, I thought I'd share one cool activity.
(1/8) 🧪
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
I had an INCREDIBLE time at #ScienceWriters2025!
Huge thank you to @sciencewriters.org & @sciencewriting.bsky.social, as well as all the organizers, speakers, and attendees.
While I have many topics from the conference I aim to (eventually) discuss, I thought I'd share one cool activity.
(1/8) 🧪
Huge thank you to @sciencewriters.org & @sciencewriting.bsky.social, as well as all the organizers, speakers, and attendees.
While I have many topics from the conference I aim to (eventually) discuss, I thought I'd share one cool activity.
(1/8) 🧪
Reposted by Chris J Fisher
Y’know, I really had a goddamn delightful time at #SciWri25. I learned some great stuff from other speakers, we had soooo many laughs at our panel & I saw friends I haven’t seen in ages.
PLUS I talked to some younger folks in the industry who challenged my thinking.
10/10, see ya next year ✌🏻🤓
PLUS I talked to some younger folks in the industry who challenged my thinking.
10/10, see ya next year ✌🏻🤓
November 10, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Y’know, I really had a goddamn delightful time at #SciWri25. I learned some great stuff from other speakers, we had soooo many laughs at our panel & I saw friends I haven’t seen in ages.
PLUS I talked to some younger folks in the industry who challenged my thinking.
10/10, see ya next year ✌🏻🤓
PLUS I talked to some younger folks in the industry who challenged my thinking.
10/10, see ya next year ✌🏻🤓
I've been avoiding reading articles on the death of James Watson, co-discoverer of #DNA's structure.
That is, until I saw that @statnews.com published one by Sharon Begley, a renowned science writer who passed in 2021.
Yes, you read that right.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
🧪 (1/5)
That is, until I saw that @statnews.com published one by Sharon Begley, a renowned science writer who passed in 2021.
Yes, you read that right.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
🧪 (1/5)
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:22 PM
I've been avoiding reading articles on the death of James Watson, co-discoverer of #DNA's structure.
That is, until I saw that @statnews.com published one by Sharon Begley, a renowned science writer who passed in 2021.
Yes, you read that right.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
🧪 (1/5)
That is, until I saw that @statnews.com published one by Sharon Begley, a renowned science writer who passed in 2021.
Yes, you read that right.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
🧪 (1/5)
Reposted by Chris J Fisher
Almost to 200 signatures!! Way to go! Keep signing and sharing. I am doing a lot of groundwork to see this change through. I just need to let the people I am speaking with know that YOU care about this, too!
Most science degrees never require students to learn how to communicate their work to the public. That gap fuels confusion, mistrust, and missed opportunities to protect lives. Let's change it. Sign the petition to make communication + public engagement training a degree requirement. bit.ly/3LbnfHB
November 7, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Almost to 200 signatures!! Way to go! Keep signing and sharing. I am doing a lot of groundwork to see this change through. I just need to let the people I am speaking with know that YOU care about this, too!
It's been too long, Chicago! I am excited to share that I am heading to Science Writers 2025.
I can't wait to connect with #SciComm pros & #ScienceWriters, including old friends & new!
If you'd like to meet up while I'm in town, reach out.
US flight apocalypse allowing, I'll see you there!
🧪
I can't wait to connect with #SciComm pros & #ScienceWriters, including old friends & new!
If you'd like to meet up while I'm in town, reach out.
US flight apocalypse allowing, I'll see you there!
🧪
November 7, 2025 at 1:48 PM
It's been too long, Chicago! I am excited to share that I am heading to Science Writers 2025.
I can't wait to connect with #SciComm pros & #ScienceWriters, including old friends & new!
If you'd like to meet up while I'm in town, reach out.
US flight apocalypse allowing, I'll see you there!
🧪
I can't wait to connect with #SciComm pros & #ScienceWriters, including old friends & new!
If you'd like to meet up while I'm in town, reach out.
US flight apocalypse allowing, I'll see you there!
🧪
I like to jokingly say "numbers are hard" when I make a mental math error.
But in all seriousness, it can be difficult for many to grasp numerical information, especially when it lacks rich context.
#SciComm #MedicalCommunications
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But in all seriousness, it can be difficult for many to grasp numerical information, especially when it lacks rich context.
#SciComm #MedicalCommunications
(1/7) 🧪
November 6, 2025 at 6:33 PM
I like to jokingly say "numbers are hard" when I make a mental math error.
But in all seriousness, it can be difficult for many to grasp numerical information, especially when it lacks rich context.
#SciComm #MedicalCommunications
(1/7) 🧪
But in all seriousness, it can be difficult for many to grasp numerical information, especially when it lacks rich context.
#SciComm #MedicalCommunications
(1/7) 🧪
At first glance, Lewis Carroll's #Fiction, #EvolutionaryBiology, & #SciencePolicy appear unrelated.
But once you peer through the looking glass, you'll find they share more than you might think!
For one, each provides an example of the "Red Queen's Race."
www.linkedin.com/pulse/losing...
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But once you peer through the looking glass, you'll find they share more than you might think!
For one, each provides an example of the "Red Queen's Race."
www.linkedin.com/pulse/losing...
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Losing The Red Queen’s Race: US Science Standing Still Puts Us All at Risk
Fictional works have a long history of drawing from, influencing, and articulating science —it’s more of a two-way street than the world of controlled experiments and data analysis would have you beli...
www.linkedin.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:28 PM
At first glance, Lewis Carroll's #Fiction, #EvolutionaryBiology, & #SciencePolicy appear unrelated.
But once you peer through the looking glass, you'll find they share more than you might think!
For one, each provides an example of the "Red Queen's Race."
www.linkedin.com/pulse/losing...
(1/4) 🧪
But once you peer through the looking glass, you'll find they share more than you might think!
For one, each provides an example of the "Red Queen's Race."
www.linkedin.com/pulse/losing...
(1/4) 🧪
It's easy to forget that #SciComm is for people of ALL ages, not just adults and teenagers.
But is there an age that's too young?
NOPE!
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But is there an age that's too young?
NOPE!
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October 29, 2025 at 7:27 PM
It's easy to forget that #SciComm is for people of ALL ages, not just adults and teenagers.
But is there an age that's too young?
NOPE!
(1/7) 🧪
But is there an age that's too young?
NOPE!
(1/7) 🧪
It's a good time to talk a bit about #WitchHunts.
I say that not only because it's nearly Halloween 🎃, but also because of their historical connection to anti-scientific and pseudo-scientific thinking.
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salemwitchmuseum.com
I say that not only because it's nearly Halloween 🎃, but also because of their historical connection to anti-scientific and pseudo-scientific thinking.
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salemwitchmuseum.com
The 1692 Salem Witch Museum | History, Education, Self-Guided Tours
The Salem Witch Museum is a museum in Salem, MA about the Witch Trials of 1692. The museum is based on the actual documents of the trials. Plan a visit to check out the scenes, and listen to the accur...
salemwitchmuseum.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:32 PM
It's a good time to talk a bit about #WitchHunts.
I say that not only because it's nearly Halloween 🎃, but also because of their historical connection to anti-scientific and pseudo-scientific thinking.
(1/9) 🧪
salemwitchmuseum.com
I say that not only because it's nearly Halloween 🎃, but also because of their historical connection to anti-scientific and pseudo-scientific thinking.
(1/9) 🧪
salemwitchmuseum.com
Fall is very much in swing here in Massachusetts! 🍂 🎃
As the temperatures cool off, harvest activities draw in flannel-wearing patrons for apple and pumpkin treats.
I'm all about eating enough apple cider donuts to get me through the winter.
To celebrate fall, let's talk some science!
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As the temperatures cool off, harvest activities draw in flannel-wearing patrons for apple and pumpkin treats.
I'm all about eating enough apple cider donuts to get me through the winter.
To celebrate fall, let's talk some science!
(1/11) 🧪
October 21, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Fall is very much in swing here in Massachusetts! 🍂 🎃
As the temperatures cool off, harvest activities draw in flannel-wearing patrons for apple and pumpkin treats.
I'm all about eating enough apple cider donuts to get me through the winter.
To celebrate fall, let's talk some science!
(1/11) 🧪
As the temperatures cool off, harvest activities draw in flannel-wearing patrons for apple and pumpkin treats.
I'm all about eating enough apple cider donuts to get me through the winter.
To celebrate fall, let's talk some science!
(1/11) 🧪
No one understood the importance of scientists engaging in society more than #JaneGoodall.
Though she lived a long, vibrant life, I still felt sad today, knowing that we lost an incredible ambassador for science, whose empathy, curiosity, and resilience inspired me and countless others.
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Though she lived a long, vibrant life, I still felt sad today, knowing that we lost an incredible ambassador for science, whose empathy, curiosity, and resilience inspired me and countless others.
(1/5) 🧪
October 3, 2025 at 7:26 PM
No one understood the importance of scientists engaging in society more than #JaneGoodall.
Though she lived a long, vibrant life, I still felt sad today, knowing that we lost an incredible ambassador for science, whose empathy, curiosity, and resilience inspired me and countless others.
(1/5) 🧪
Though she lived a long, vibrant life, I still felt sad today, knowing that we lost an incredible ambassador for science, whose empathy, curiosity, and resilience inspired me and countless others.
(1/5) 🧪
🦆 QUACK! 🦆 QUACK! 🦆 QUACK! Now, THIS is a great campaign.
@standupforscience.bsky.social, led by @cdelawalla.bsky.social, began delivering "Quack-O-Grams" to Congress this past week. The message is simple: Impeach "the Quack," Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjET...
(1/10) 🧪
@standupforscience.bsky.social, led by @cdelawalla.bsky.social, began delivering "Quack-O-Grams" to Congress this past week. The message is simple: Impeach "the Quack," Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjET...
(1/10) 🧪
Impeach Bobby "The Quack" Jr! Stand Up For Science Delivers Quack-O-Grams to Congress.
YouTube video by Stand Up for Science!
www.youtube.com
September 23, 2025 at 6:30 PM
🦆 QUACK! 🦆 QUACK! 🦆 QUACK! Now, THIS is a great campaign.
@standupforscience.bsky.social, led by @cdelawalla.bsky.social, began delivering "Quack-O-Grams" to Congress this past week. The message is simple: Impeach "the Quack," Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjET...
(1/10) 🧪
@standupforscience.bsky.social, led by @cdelawalla.bsky.social, began delivering "Quack-O-Grams" to Congress this past week. The message is simple: Impeach "the Quack," Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjET...
(1/10) 🧪
Reposted by Chris J Fisher
In a hearing, Susan Monarez told senators she was let go for holding the line on scientific integrity. cen.acs.org/policy/regul... #chemsky 🧪
Ousted CDC director details firing, warns of vaccine schedule changes
In a hearing, Susan Monarez told senators she was let go for holding the line on scientific integrity
cen.acs.org
September 19, 2025 at 12:56 PM
In a hearing, Susan Monarez told senators she was let go for holding the line on scientific integrity. cen.acs.org/policy/regul... #chemsky 🧪
As a scientist, it's alarming to hear about a plan to abruptly change the US childhood #vaccine schedule without substantial evidence.
As a parent to a one-year-old, it's terrifying.
www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/m...
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As a parent to a one-year-old, it's terrifying.
www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/m...
(1/5) 🧪
Ousted CDC director says Kennedy plans to change pediatric vaccine schedule
Ousted CDC director Susan Monarez told lawmakers that her boss, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., told her he plans to change the childhood vaccine schedule this month.
www.statnews.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM
As a scientist, it's alarming to hear about a plan to abruptly change the US childhood #vaccine schedule without substantial evidence.
As a parent to a one-year-old, it's terrifying.
www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/m...
(1/5) 🧪
As a parent to a one-year-old, it's terrifying.
www.statnews.com/2025/09/17/m...
(1/5) 🧪
I can't stress enough how important it is to spend time with your people now and again, #SciComm included!
Since I had an AWESOME time at a Ticket to Biotech event yesterday, I wanted to share some of my quick takeaways from this #biotech meet-up.
tickettobiotech.com
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Since I had an AWESOME time at a Ticket to Biotech event yesterday, I wanted to share some of my quick takeaways from this #biotech meet-up.
tickettobiotech.com
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Home - Ticket to Biotech
tickettobiotech.com
September 17, 2025 at 7:44 PM
I can't stress enough how important it is to spend time with your people now and again, #SciComm included!
Since I had an AWESOME time at a Ticket to Biotech event yesterday, I wanted to share some of my quick takeaways from this #biotech meet-up.
tickettobiotech.com
(1/6) 🧪
Since I had an AWESOME time at a Ticket to Biotech event yesterday, I wanted to share some of my quick takeaways from this #biotech meet-up.
tickettobiotech.com
(1/6) 🧪
The recent interview of Holden Thorp, @science.org EOC, on #SciComm by Patrick Boyle in AAMCNews is an absolute banger!
Now more than ever, it’s critical for scientists, organizations, and companies to deliver scientific messages that stick.
www.aamc.org/news/restore...
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Now more than ever, it’s critical for scientists, organizations, and companies to deliver scientific messages that stick.
www.aamc.org/news/restore...
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To restore trust in science, scientists should focus on storytelling
Holden Thorp, PhD, top editor at Science, discusses the essential role of front-line doctors, the power of well-told stories, and the value of admitting error.
www.aamc.org
August 28, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The recent interview of Holden Thorp, @science.org EOC, on #SciComm by Patrick Boyle in AAMCNews is an absolute banger!
Now more than ever, it’s critical for scientists, organizations, and companies to deliver scientific messages that stick.
www.aamc.org/news/restore...
(1/9) 🧪
Now more than ever, it’s critical for scientists, organizations, and companies to deliver scientific messages that stick.
www.aamc.org/news/restore...
(1/9) 🧪
It's no fun to wake up on a Friday to news that the #SupremeCourt ruled 5-4 to let the Trump Administration cut $783 million in #NIH grants.
www.npr.org/2025/08/21/g...
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www.npr.org/2025/08/21/g...
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Supreme Court allows NIH to stop making nearly $800M in research grants for now
But the court, in its emergency-docket order, left in place by a 5-4 order a lower court ruling that threw out National Institutes of Health memos that enforced the administration's policies.
www.npr.org
August 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
It's no fun to wake up on a Friday to news that the #SupremeCourt ruled 5-4 to let the Trump Administration cut $783 million in #NIH grants.
www.npr.org/2025/08/21/g...
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www.npr.org/2025/08/21/g...
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This quote lives rent-free in my head.
#SciComm
#ScientificCommunications
#MedicalCommunications
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#SciComm
#ScientificCommunications
#MedicalCommunications
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August 13, 2025 at 7:35 PM
This quote lives rent-free in my head.
#SciComm
#ScientificCommunications
#MedicalCommunications
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#SciComm
#ScientificCommunications
#MedicalCommunications
(1/9) 🧪
RFK Jr.'s baseless decision to cancel 22 BARDA grants supporting mRNA vaccine development will cost lives and hurt people. Full stop. 🛑
www.bbc.com/news/article...
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www.bbc.com/news/article...
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RFK Jr cancels $500m in mRNA vaccine development in the US
Since taking office, the vaccine sceptic has made a number of changes to how vaccines are regulated.
www.bbc.com
August 7, 2025 at 8:04 PM
RFK Jr.'s baseless decision to cancel 22 BARDA grants supporting mRNA vaccine development will cost lives and hurt people. Full stop. 🛑
www.bbc.com/news/article...
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www.bbc.com/news/article...
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Reposted by Chris J Fisher
How did we go from decades of broad political support for US science & scientists to unprecedented attacks on their autonomy and independence? And how can scientists build stronger community connections today? Science Network member Christopher Fisher explores these questions and more in this blog.
Scientists IN Society: From Isolation to Engagement
Scientists were historically encouraged to immerse themselves in research above all else. It's time to rid ourselves of that notion.
blog.ucs.org
July 3, 2025 at 3:15 PM
How did we go from decades of broad political support for US science & scientists to unprecedented attacks on their autonomy and independence? And how can scientists build stronger community connections today? Science Network member Christopher Fisher explores these questions and more in this blog.
I'm not the only one who thinks society's future depends on the evolution of #Scientists trained to marry scientific disciplines with #HumanCulture and #Policy!
Don't take it from me. Take it from Jonas Salk, virologist, researcher, polio vaccine inventor, and vaccination champion.
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Don't take it from me. Take it from Jonas Salk, virologist, researcher, polio vaccine inventor, and vaccination champion.
(1/4) 🧪
August 1, 2025 at 5:41 PM
I'm not the only one who thinks society's future depends on the evolution of #Scientists trained to marry scientific disciplines with #HumanCulture and #Policy!
Don't take it from me. Take it from Jonas Salk, virologist, researcher, polio vaccine inventor, and vaccination champion.
(1/4) 🧪
Don't take it from me. Take it from Jonas Salk, virologist, researcher, polio vaccine inventor, and vaccination champion.
(1/4) 🧪
Modern science needs more Bacon! That's a rallying cry we can all get behind, right?
But, before you get too confused (and/or excited), I don't mean 🥓 salt-cured meat 🥓!
I mean Bacon with a capital "B." Sir Francis Bacon, that is.
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But, before you get too confused (and/or excited), I don't mean 🥓 salt-cured meat 🥓!
I mean Bacon with a capital "B." Sir Francis Bacon, that is.
(1/9) 🧪
July 31, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Modern science needs more Bacon! That's a rallying cry we can all get behind, right?
But, before you get too confused (and/or excited), I don't mean 🥓 salt-cured meat 🥓!
I mean Bacon with a capital "B." Sir Francis Bacon, that is.
(1/9) 🧪
But, before you get too confused (and/or excited), I don't mean 🥓 salt-cured meat 🥓!
I mean Bacon with a capital "B." Sir Francis Bacon, that is.
(1/9) 🧪
Welp, it's been a chaotic 24 hrs for US research.
Yesterday, OMB directed the NIH to "pause" the spending of appropriated funds for grants, contracts, and training awards. Hours later, the WH signaled it would abandon OMB's plan.
Can you say whiplash? (1/8) 🧪
www.statnews.com/2025/07/29/t...
Yesterday, OMB directed the NIH to "pause" the spending of appropriated funds for grants, contracts, and training awards. Hours later, the WH signaled it would abandon OMB's plan.
Can you say whiplash? (1/8) 🧪
www.statnews.com/2025/07/29/t...
Trump administration reverses course, lifts pause on NIH grant awards
The order applies to the entirety of new and, possibly, ongoing research grant dollars that go to universities and academic medical centers.
www.statnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Welp, it's been a chaotic 24 hrs for US research.
Yesterday, OMB directed the NIH to "pause" the spending of appropriated funds for grants, contracts, and training awards. Hours later, the WH signaled it would abandon OMB's plan.
Can you say whiplash? (1/8) 🧪
www.statnews.com/2025/07/29/t...
Yesterday, OMB directed the NIH to "pause" the spending of appropriated funds for grants, contracts, and training awards. Hours later, the WH signaled it would abandon OMB's plan.
Can you say whiplash? (1/8) 🧪
www.statnews.com/2025/07/29/t...