Innovative Funding Efforts Amidst Federal Cuts for Cancer Research
The quest for advancing cancer research at the University of Arizona’s Schroeder Lab is taking an unexpected path due to dwindling federal grants. Researchers at the lab are exploring new treatments for metastatic breast cancer, but financial constraints under the Trump administration have forced them to seek funding from alternative sources.
Prior to the current administration’s decision to reduce science funding, the lab already faced challenges in obtaining necessary financial support. Now, with further cuts, obtaining grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has become even more competitive.
Danielle DiFranco, a researcher at the lab, highlights the impact of these changes. “And then the new proposed budget for next year is about half of what this previous year’s budget was, so that will make it extremely more competitive,” she explained.
Faced with these hurdles, DiFranco’s mother launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the lab’s efforts. Though the campaign has managed to raise over $5,000, the journey from pre-clinical research to human trials remains a costly one, estimated at around $1 million.
Meanwhile, other sectors in Arizona are grappling with the repercussions of federal policy changes. Food banks are preparing for higher demand following the enactment of President Donald Trump’s tax and policy bill. Additionally, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” by Trump aims to eliminate tax credits for clean energy projects, potentially increasing energy costs in regions like the Mountain West.
In a related development, the city of Tempe is implementing new heat safety standards for outdoor workers as Phoenix endures extreme heat. At the University of Arizona, 64 grants have been canceled or halted according to internal reports, indicating the breadth of the financial challenges faced by educational and research institutions.
In personnel news, Dana Allmond’s $170,000 contract as a senior executive consultant was renewed shortly before 5% of staff faced termination notices. Allmond was previously considered for the role of head of the Department of Veterans’ Services, although the appointment was unsuccessful.
These developments reflect a broader trend of adapting to financial constraints while continuing to pursue essential research and community support initiatives.
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