The University of Utah has had 77 grants cancelled by the federal government, resulting in the loss of $16 million in research funding this year.

Vice President for Research Erin Rothwell reported the funding cuts at the Utah Board of Higher Education’s July 18 meeting and during a research town hall on July 22.

Under the cuts implemented by the Trump Administration, the U will lose $15.5 million in research funding this year and $12.9 million in future years, for a total reduction of $28.4 million.

“Utah, compared to other institutions, is weathering this very well as a state,” Rothwell told board members. Many of the grants were in their final year of funding.

A proposed 15% cap on indirect research funding—or so-called “facilities and administration” costs—would result in the university losing $110 million annually.

The university receives approximately 40% of its research funding from National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, for a total of $295 million in 2025. The administration has proposed an $18 billion cut to NIH and Health and Human Services.

The U employs 7,800 people working in research.

“As it is proposed, we would not be able to conduct research as we have today,” Rothwell said. “We would significantly lower the amount the research we could conduct.”

Rothwell also highlighted the administration’s shift away from animal-only research projects, current membership on national grant review committees and “F&A” accounting practices. University community members (with a uNID login) can watch past town halls here.