University research leaders warned trustees Nov. 21 that federal funding for research has been volatile and that TSU should prepare for constrained awards and changes to indirect-cost policies.

Dr. Quincy Quick presented a year-over-year comparison showing fewer awards and lower indirect-cost recoveries: he cited a roughly 57% reduction in IDC-related cost requests and a 40% drop in total awards year-over-year, while submissions fell by only about 14–15%. Quick said some of the worst-case scenarios have eased after a continuing resolution and recent appropriations action, and he noted an estimated additional federal set-aside of $360 million that includes roughly $60 million for 1890/HBCU scholarship programs, which could benefit TSU’s USDA-linked research capacity.

Quick flagged ongoing debates about indirect-cost methodologies and a proposed alternative (a FAIR model) being discussed by major higher-education associations; he cautioned that future changes could advantage larger institutions and require strategic shifts for smaller and emerging research universities.

He recommended several institutional responses: expand industry partnerships and contract research, increase applied/translation research and commercialization efforts, and align with state economic-development programs (e.g., IRIS, REV) that require academic–industry collaboration. Quick said TSU is engaged with local innovation partners and has active conversations with state economic-development officials.

Why it matters: Federal research funding and indirect-cost recovery substantially affect grants revenue, research capacity and faculty-student research opportunities. Trustees were told to expect continued uncertainty while the university pursues diversified funding sources and partnerships.

What’s next: The Office of Research will continue to track federal appropriations and partner with administration on industry alignment and capacity-building initiatives.