Dear CCTSI research community,
As a member of our CCTSI research community, you are likely closely monitoring the federal transition, including the proposed National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) policy change to reduce the indirect cost rate for new and existing grants to 15% for all institutions. Right now, the reduction is still under a temporary restraining order.
Please be assured that university leaders are doing all they can to make clear that a reduction in NIH funding has very real costs in terms of stifling life-saving research. And it would have dire consequences for the health of people everywhere. These leaders, along with national association partners like the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), are assessing ways to preserve the federal support so fundamental to medical research.
At CU Anschutz, the Chancellor, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Vice Chancellor for Research have all been sharing crucial information with the campus community and beyond. I recommend you visit the CU Anschutz Federal Transition Updates webpage for up-to-date information. You can also find regular updates online here from the University Federal Relations Team.
I echo the advice from campus leadership: continue conducting your research activities, doing the vital work that makes a positive impact on patients and their families while advancing research and enriching the scientific environment to which the CCTSI is so central.
I want to call out Kristine Erlandson, MD, whose research on clinical biomarkers of postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) was nationally recognized. The Annals of Internal Medicine created a spotlight on 2024 and noted Dr. Erlandson’s publication as one of the most influential articles in 2024. Congratulations!
I also want to congratulate Donald Nease, MD, Montelle Tamez, Kaylee Gordon and Mary Fisher on their publication 10 Years of Community Immersion Training, which appeared in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science. The Community Engagement team of the CCTSI has long been a leader among all CTSA hub institutions with their innovative trainings and research that takes place in partnership with Colorado communities. Kudos to the entire team.
We know that the only constant is change, and as such, we recently bid a fond farewell to Distinguished Professor Wendy Kohrt, PhD, who has served as CCTSI’s Associate Director since 2013. As she steps away from her CCTSI role, we extend our gratitude for her dedication to clinical researchers across the CCTSI, always placing these investigators and their success at the center of her work. Moving forward, Janine Higgins, PhD, has assumed the role of Director for Resources and Services, assisted by Kevin Messacar, MD, as Associate Director for Resources and Services.
I remain proud of our CCTSI research community and optimistic regarding our ability to sustain the vital work of science, discovery, health, and healing.
Ron
