Dear Campus Community,
As many of you are aware, the federal government has suspended a significant number of research grants to UCLA, citing ongoing investigations. While UC Merced is not the target of this action, we are not untouched. Four of our federally funded research projects currently receive subawards through UCLA, and this action places approximately $84,000 in remaining funds at risk. In addition, two UC Merced projects where UCLA is a subrecipient, totaling nearly $71,000 in unspent funds, could be impacted if pass-through eligibility is revoked. While these figures represent a modest portion of our overall research portfolio, the broader implications, especially to multi-campus collaborations, graduate student support, and community-engaged research are more consequential.
Thanks to early preparation and strong financial stewardship, UC Merced is well-positioned to absorb these potential impacts. Earlier this year, my office established a $1.5 million Research Sustainability Fund to support faculty and research teams facing unexpected disruptions due to the shifting federal funding landscape. This contingency fund allows us to continue advancing our research goals while protecting our most vital resource: our people. We are working closely with affected investigators to assess needs and ensure continuity of research activity wherever possible.
These are challenging times for public research universities, but our mission remains unchanged. We look forward to President Milliken’s confident and steady leadership in maintaining the vital role we all play in shaping a healthier, more just, and innovative future. At UC Merced, our commitment to research that serves the public good is unwavering. Together, we will continue to navigate uncertainty with determination, integrity and purpose.
Fiat Lux,
Juan Sánchez Muñoz, Ph.D.
Chancellor
