This is such an incredible explainer of Indirect Funding! 💡 Some takeaways: 🧬 The federal science funding landscape in America was created after the US economy, security, and health by partnering with universities that would conduct research for the government. 🧵 - ThreadSky

standupforscience.bsky.social • 11 days ago

This is such an incredible explainer of Indirect Funding!

💡 Some takeaways:

🧬 The federal science funding landscape in America was created after the US economy, security, and health by partnering with universities that would conduct research for the government.

🧵

Reposted from MDI Biological Laboratory

Still wondering how Indirect Funding (F&A) works, and why it's so important for research institutions? Check out this great video from the Association of American Universities:

#standwithscience #standupforscience2025 @standupforscience.bsky.social

🧪 🤝 🧬 🐟🎸 🍎

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standupforscience.bsky.social•11 days ago

💵 Indirect costs, also known as facilities and administrative (F&A) costs, cover essential expenses like maintenance, security, utilities, and compliance personnel needed to safely and effectively conduct research. Without these, direct research activities would not be possible.

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standupforscience.bsky.social•11 days ago

In 2017, U.S. colleges and universities contributed approximately $18 billion of their own funds to support research, including over $5.2 billion for F&A costs that the federal government did not reimburse—meaning that institutions are heavily subsidizing the cost of federally funded research.
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standupforscience.bsky.social•11 days ago

Unlike other research organizations that are fully reimbursed for indirect costs, universities are limited by a stringent negotiation process that is based on the true rate of conducting research, not an arbitrary value. A cap on indirect funding directly harms universities. 🧵

standupforscience.bsky.social•11 days ago

Proposals to cut F&A funding would reduce research capacity, stifle innovation, and weaken the U.S. economy. To remain competitive globally, it is vital to strengthen, not weaken, this government-university research partnership.
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standupforscience.bsky.social•11 days ago

Regardless of your view on international relations, there is some value of the U.S. scientific enterprise, whether it's maintaining America's platform on a global stage or providing collaborative opportunities between the US and other countries. 🧵

standupforscience.bsky.social•11 days ago

While some argue that foundations cap indirect costs and still fund research, it’s important to note that foundation grants usually supplement, not replace, government funding. College officials acknowledge this, as philanthropic support often builds on the base provided by federal funds.🧵

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