Wanda James, CU Regent, discusses the effects of NIH funding cuts on Colorado residents

A federal judge in Aurora, Colorado has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s move to cut National Institutes of Health funding, affecting universities engaged in medical and scientific research. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced his office joined a lawsuit challenging the funding cuts, which impact hundreds of research employees at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The campus relies on $360 million in NIH funding, and the cuts have jeopardized vital research that could save lives. University of Colorado Regent Wanda James expressed concerns about the impact of the cuts, especially when combined with diversity, equity, and inclusion rollbacks, which she says puts thousands of jobs at risk. She called on federally elected officials to provide a plan and take immediate action to address the situation. James emphasized the enormous trickle-down effect of cutting entire departments and parts of government, urging lawmakers to prioritize funding for research and healthcare. As she continues to gather information on the funding cuts and freezes, she remains dedicated to advocating for the preservation of crucial research that could have a significant impact on public health.