A group of universities, including Brown University and MIT, have filed a lawsuit to stop the Department of Energy’s cuts to federal research grants. The DOE recently announced a policy to reduce the funding of “indirect costs” of research grants to 15%. The plaintiffs argue that these cuts will hinder scientific research at universities and undermine America’s innovation leadership. They claim that progress on various crucial projects will be obstructed, impacting areas such as nuclear deterrents, energy sources, and disease cures. The lawsuit alleges that the policy change is unlawful and seeks an injunction. Indirect costs are essential to scientific work, covering facilities, administration, and other essentials not attributed to specific projects. The plaintiffs argue that the new policy, which is expected to save over $405 million annually, violates regulations by imposing a one-size-fits-all rate on indirect costs. The complaint highlights the immediate and devastating impact of the cuts on research projects, staffing, training programs, careers, and the next generation of scientists. Brown University, Caltech, and Cornell University are among the institutions that would face significant financial losses due to the reductions. The lawsuit asks for the Rate Cap Policy to be found invalid and an injunction to be issued. The American Council on Education warns of dire consequences for critical research sectors and national prosperity, accusing the cuts of being a self-inflicted wound that would benefit competitors like China. University presidents emphasize the importance of DOE grants in supporting research and innovation.
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