This Week in Illinois Research

Our government relations colleagues at the University of Illinois System have been working overtime these last few months, answering countless internal questions about transitions in the federal government. They are also fielding inquiries from the Illinois congressional delegation about the impact of changes that affect the nation's research enterprise as well as hosting university representatives who have come to D. C. for meetings with legislators and agency staff. 

Our campus and system leaders are strongly advocating for higher education priorities in the face of significant, adverse change. President Killeen has written a letter to Illinois senators and representatives emphasizing the profound impact that federal funding cuts, delays and general uncertainty are having on students, faculty, and staff. Meanwhile, Chancellor Jones was featured in The New York Times discussing the state of higher ed. Other faculty and campus leaders are also offering perspective and taking action. For example, Mariselle Melendez and Clara Bosak-Schroeder recently attended the National Humanities Alliance’s Advocacy Day in D.C., and Scott Althaus published an opinion piece in the News Gazette, "How federal funding helped UI undermine international terrorism."

If you'd like to make your voice heard, consider responding to the System's call to action: “Protect University of Illinois System Research Funding.” This is an officially sanctioned way for you to let our legislators know how you feel about research and what it means for our students, our community, and our nation. 

Sincerely,

Susan