NIH RO1 grant recipient feels terrified due to recent cuts by Elon Musk and DOGE on indirect costs, which have risen over time. A federal court blocked a policy that would cap these costs at 15%, significantly lower than current rates (e.g., 69% at Harvard). McCullough believes this reduction is beneficial, directing more funds toward actual research instead of administrative overhead.
Gravy Train of NIH "Indirects" Gets Bull-DOGEd Progressively Growing Extra Costs Tagged to Research Grants Cur Back to 15% Sun, 16 Feb 2025 10:37:44 GMT https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/gravy-train-of-nih-indirects-gets By Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH
I talked to someone today who has recently received a coveted NIH RO1 grant. Instead of being happy she said she is terrified. Why? Recently, Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has trimmed back “indirects” universities and hospitals slap on top of the direct research funded projects. This rate has grown from 15% over decades to >50% at many prestigious medical centers. The current indirect rate at Harvard is 69%.
Research administrative personnel costs have exponentially grown over time creating more bureaucracy with all the policies and procedures put in place to justify those positions, office space, and resources.
The new policy, currently blocked by a federal court , would limit NIH research funding for "indirect costs," or overhead expenses, to 15%, which is far below what most institutions receive.
I think this is a healthy trim for government-funded research in the United States. The public deserves more dollars going to the research itself and less being siphoned off as indirect, poorly justified overhead costs which amount to administrative largess.
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Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH
President, McCullough Foundation