Announcing the First Round of Research Stabilization Awards

Dear members of the Columbia community:

As you may recall, in May, we established two research stabilization funds to help our scientists and researchers mitigate the challenges posed by disruptions in federal funding. Today, I am thrilled to announce the first round of research stabilization funds awards.  

We will fund hundreds of projects across nine schools, with grants of up to $100,000 each. The awarded proposals span a remarkably wide range of research across our schools—from oncology, neuroscience, and molecular biology to artificial intelligence, climate science, and mental health. Collectively, these initiatives reflect Columbia’s strengths at the convergence of basic science and translational innovation, as well as our deep commitments to social and global impact.

These funds are not designed to replace federal support, and we remain hopeful about our conversations with the federal government. They are designed to offer a lifeline and a bridge—helping researchers complete projects, pursue new funding opportunities, or reimagine the scope of their work. They represent an investment in our exceptional faculty and in our mission as we navigate the changing federal funding landscape. Other forms of support to date have included funding for PhD students and postdocs on training grants and cost-sharing with our schools to address the impacts of terminated and lapsed federal awards during this critical time. 

Moving forward, we are harnessing the energy and creativity of Columbia’s incredibly talented faculty, staff, and students to reimagine the future of research at Columbia. Together, we are focused on exploring innovative investments, encouraging cross-school partnerships, and rethinking research infrastructure for the future. Much of this work is being done through the Presidential Task Force on Columbia’s Research Mission, but it extends far beyond that group, and has been embraced by Columbians across the University. I’m immensely grateful to all of them for their ideas, their insights, and their willingness to step up, again and again, for Columbia and its future. 

I appreciate all the faculty and staff who have worked so hard to make the research stabilization awards a reality, especially our Task Force on Columbia’s Research Mission, the University Scientific Strategic Advisory Group, and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research. 

To all of you who have received an award, I offer you my gratitude for your incredible work. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the research stabilization funds, including how to apply for round two, I encourage you to visit the website of the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research.

Sincerely,

Claire Shipman
Acting President, Columbia University in the City of New York