Harvard University has experienced a notable decline in federal research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), marking a shift in the ongoing tensions between the university and the federal government under the Trump administration. Despite a federal judge ruling last year that the government improperly cut off funding to Harvard’s grants set to end in 2025, NIH support has continued to slow, leaving the university and its researchers facing uncertainty.

Data through June 30 of this fiscal year, which began on October 1, indicate that Harvard received 309 NIH awards totaling approximately $200 million. This is a significant drop from the average of about 440 awards worth $246 million during the same nine-month period in recent years from 2021 to 2024. While Harvard remains one of the largest NIH funding recipients nationally, it now trails behind other top institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan, and Yale University. NIH funding reductions have also affected other major research universities.

The reductions represent a more subtle approach by the Trump administration in its efforts to pressure elite institutions, including Harvard. Previously, the administration had publicly announced drastic funding freezes—including a $2.2 billion cut in 2025 from various federal agencies—with Harvard successfully challenging these moves in court. The current tactics involve delaying, reducing, or rejecting grant requests without public announcements, creating a less transparent environment and making it harder for universities to challenge the decisions legally.

Harvard has been a frequent target of federal officials, who have accused the university of tolerating antisemitism and pursuing racial diversity initiatives that they claim violate federal law. While Harvard has persistently pushed back through litigation—winning several key court rulings including a dismissal of a lawsuit alleging antisemitism—it faces ongoing legal battles and policy changes that could further restrict its federal funding. A proposed federal budget rule would grant political appointees greater authority over grant approvals, potentially increasing government influence over university funding.

The Chan School of Public Health at Harvard, heavily reliant on NIH grants, has seen a nearly 25 percent reduction in funding this year compared to previous averages. The school has responded by laying off staff and reducing the size of incoming Ph.D. cohorts, raising concerns about the long-term effects on research capacity and workforce development. Faculty members have expressed worries that prolonged funding instability undermines the reliability of the federal government as a funding partner and could result in significant knowledge loss with economic consequences for communities tied to university employment.

Despite financial pressures, Harvard’s endowment continues to grow, buoyed by stock market gains. The university’s steadfast refusal to settle with the federal government distinguishes it from some peer institutions, such as Yale, which are reportedly considering settlements. Supporters argue that Harvard’s legal battles defend broader principles affecting higher education nationwide.

A White House spokeswoman attributed continued efforts to restrict Harvard’s funding to the university’s alleged failure to comply with federal civil rights laws and urged Harvard to engage in “good faith” negotiations. Meanwhile, past and current university leaders acknowledge that the uncertainty caused by ongoing litigation and government actions forces academic institutions to implement budget cuts and scale back ambitious scientific projects.

Experts warn that the decline in federal research support could have long-term negative effects on U.S. scientific leadership, including prompting researchers to seek opportunities abroad and reducing the likelihood of breakthroughs that often arise from high-risk projects. Both Harvard and the government continue to pursue appeals in court, with significant decisions expected in the coming months regarding grant funding and immigration-related policies affecting international students.