Harvard cancer researcher struggles to cope with grant disruptions, fears for her team's future.
In the world of cancer research, there are few things more precious than a multi-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The funding is crucial for a project like Dr. Joan Brugge's, where her team analyzes thousands of breast tissue samples to find new ways to prevent breast cancer.
Last year, the Trump administration froze all NIH grants at Harvard Medical School, citing concerns about campus antisemitism. The move had a devastating impact on Brugge's lab, with seven researchers losing their jobs and three more taking leave due to uncertainty over their future. The lab lost funding for its research, leaving many of its employees without steady income.
Despite the challenges, Brugge remains committed to her work. She has been searching for private funding sources and recently managed to reinstate two positions. However, job applicants are wary about applying to a lab that is still reeling from the grant disruption.
Across the United States, the future of federal funding for cancer research is uncertain. The Trump administration has proposed cutting the NIH budget by nearly 40% in the 2026 fiscal year, which could have a significant impact on treatment options for patients.
Cancer advocates argue that reductions in research funding will have direct consequences for patients, particularly if it leads to fewer new drugs or treatments being developed. A recent study found that more than half of NIH-funded drugs would not have been developed without the agency's support.
For Brugge and her team, the uncertainty is a constant source of anxiety. With their current funding set to end in August, they are racing against time to secure additional funding sources. The lab has lost several employees, including one who moved to Switzerland for further education, raising concerns about the long-term viability of cancer research in the US.
As Brugge looks at the pink-lidded jars containing breast tissue samples, she still sees promise. However, the existential threat of ongoing grant disruptions and funding uncertainty hangs over her lab like a dark cloud. Whether they can overcome these challenges remains to be seen, but for now, the future of cancer research in the US is far from secure.
In the world of cancer research, there are few things more precious than a multi-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The funding is crucial for a project like Dr. Joan Brugge's, where her team analyzes thousands of breast tissue samples to find new ways to prevent breast cancer.
Last year, the Trump administration froze all NIH grants at Harvard Medical School, citing concerns about campus antisemitism. The move had a devastating impact on Brugge's lab, with seven researchers losing their jobs and three more taking leave due to uncertainty over their future. The lab lost funding for its research, leaving many of its employees without steady income.
Despite the challenges, Brugge remains committed to her work. She has been searching for private funding sources and recently managed to reinstate two positions. However, job applicants are wary about applying to a lab that is still reeling from the grant disruption.
Across the United States, the future of federal funding for cancer research is uncertain. The Trump administration has proposed cutting the NIH budget by nearly 40% in the 2026 fiscal year, which could have a significant impact on treatment options for patients.
Cancer advocates argue that reductions in research funding will have direct consequences for patients, particularly if it leads to fewer new drugs or treatments being developed. A recent study found that more than half of NIH-funded drugs would not have been developed without the agency's support.
For Brugge and her team, the uncertainty is a constant source of anxiety. With their current funding set to end in August, they are racing against time to secure additional funding sources. The lab has lost several employees, including one who moved to Switzerland for further education, raising concerns about the long-term viability of cancer research in the US.
As Brugge looks at the pink-lidded jars containing breast tissue samples, she still sees promise. However, the existential threat of ongoing grant disruptions and funding uncertainty hangs over her lab like a dark cloud. Whether they can overcome these challenges remains to be seen, but for now, the future of cancer research in the US is far from secure.
this is so heartbreaking! I mean, can you imagine your team, your colleagues, your friends all struggling with job security like that? 
It's not just about the funding, it's about the morale and the stability they need to do their best work. And it's not just Dr Brugge's lab either, what about all the other research labs across the country that are going through similar struggles? 
We need to make sure our government is supporting our researchers so they can keep making progress on life-saving treatments! 
. We need to make sure that cancer research continues, no matter what happens with grants. Maybe they'll find a way to secure more private funding or something? Fingers crossed for Dr. Brugge and her team 
. This just shows how much uncertainty there is in research - it's like, can we really predict the future of science? 
. I mean, why should taxpayers foot the bill for some fancy medical research when there are more pressing issues to tackle? Cancer research is already super expensive and it's time someone took a closer look at how they're spending their cash 
. And let's be real, if fewer new drugs and treatments are developed, maybe patients will just have to tough it out or find cheaper alternatives 
. It's not like cancer isn't a serious issue, but come on, priorities people!
. Cancer researchers can't afford to lose momentum, but funding cuts are real 
. Can we find a way to keep our top talent without sacrificing the fight against breast cancer? 
the fact that those 7 researchers lost their jobs and some others had to take leave is just devastating. it's like they're all fighting for their very existence 
and those patients need their meds ASAP 
I'm so sad to hear about Dr Brugge's team going through this tough time. It's like, their work is literally saving lives and you're telling them they might not have a steady income? 
. I mean, think about all those patients who rely on these researchers for hope – it's not just about science, it's human lives 
. Cancer research is already super competitive & expensive 
. We need to make sure our government prioritizes funding for cancer research - it's a matter of life & death, after all 
those breast tissue samples are cool and all but have you seen some of the 'breakthroughs' in science lately? seems like everyone's trying to hype something up before it even works 
it's like they're living on a knife edge, waiting for the next funding boost or risk everything 
that would be devastating for all those affected, not just Brugge & her team 
. Cancer advocates are saying that this would affect patients directly, and I don't blame them for being concerned 
. A 40% cut in funding would be catastrophic for cancer research 
. They're more concerned with cutting funding because of some perceived issue on campus 
, but it's just so... uncertain 
we gotta think about patients who are already dealing with some tough stuff here... and now you're telling me there might be fewer new treatments being developed because of it? no way, not on my watch 
! Dr. Brugge is a total rockstar for keeping her team together despite all this drama 
we need more people like her who are willing to take risks and push boundaries in the name of science 
those pink-lidded jars with breast tissue samples have so much potential, but if funding dries up, it could be a disaster