Hundreds of UCLA protesters took to the streets of Westwood on Tuesday, rallying against the Trump administration’s significant cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding. This demonstration was part of a nationwide event called “Kill the Cuts,” which occurred at 37 locations across the country to highlight concerns over the loss of federal support for vital research.
The protests were sparked by President Trump’s decision to halt billions in NIH funding, which many universities, including those in the University of California system, depend on for research into critical health issues like cancer and diabetes. At UCLA, faculty and researchers gathered in Bruin Plaza to voice their concerns about how these funding cuts would impact their work and livelihoods.
Elisa Pabon, a postdoctoral researcher at UCLA, shared her personal story. As a Colombian American, she benefited from NIH programs aimed at promoting diversity in research. Pabon expressed her distress over the elimination of such funding, stating, “I would not be standing here in front of you today if none of those funding mechanisms existed.” She is currently facing the end of her financial support in August and fears that without new funding, she may have to file for unemployment.
The cuts have broader implications as they target research on LGBTQ+ health, HIV, and other areas that affect marginalized communities. During the rally, Pabon and others called on lawmakers to take action and listen to the scientists’ urgent pleas. Signs held by attendees included slogans like “Kill the Cuts, Save Science,” and the atmosphere was charged with chants of “Shame! Shame! Shame!”
In response to the cuts, UCLA and other universities have already started canceling research projects and rescinding offers for doctoral and postdoctoral positions. Anticipating further reductions in government funding, many campuses have also implemented hiring freezes.
A spokesperson for the University of California emphasized the importance of federal investment in research, urging the administration to restore funding. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defended the cuts, stating they are aligning funding with current priorities.
The NIH announced a major reduction in indirect funding for medical research grants, dropping from about 60% to 15%. This change means that for every $100,000 grant, universities would receive only $15,000 for overhead costs, which cover essential expenses like utilities and administrative support.
Researchers like Sydney Campbell, who studies diet and cancer, expressed their worries about the future of their work. “Indirects are really important for our ability to do science,” she noted, emphasizing how these funds support vital services in their labs.
The protest culminated in a march to the Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard, where tensions rose briefly as traffic was disrupted. However, the protesters remained focused on their cause, continuing to advocate for the reinstatement of funding.
The event showcased the deep concern among researchers about the future of scientific inquiry and public health. Many fear that the cuts will hinder progress in critical areas of health research, impacting not just current projects but future innovations as well.