NIH indirect cost cap battle (2025)
In February 2025, NIH announced it would cap indirect cost reimbursements on university grants at 15%, down from typical rates of 27% to 60%. Universities including Tufts sued, and federal courts blocked the cap with preliminary injunctions.
The cap was paused as litigation proceeded. Universities kept receiving full indirect cost payments.
The case tests how much control the executive branch has over research funding formulas.
Tufts is a plaintiff in that litigation. This September 2026 grant shows NIH money is still flowing even as the legal fight continues.
