A regular digest for UW faculty with updates on federal and national issues of relevance to their teaching, research and service; actions the University is taking; and ways for faculty to be involved.
A new year for reflection and renewing commitment to values, priorities
Dear colleagues,
Each New Year invites us to pause and reflect — to take stock of where we have been and where we hope to go. I have been thinking about the tradition of making resolutions and how it reflects a simple but powerful belief: that the future can be shaped with intention, care and shared purpose. In this spirit, the New Year offers not only reflection, but also a renewed commitment to the values and priorities that anchor us.
I know that we all share the belief that public research universities like the University of Washington play a singular role in our society. We generate knowledge, nurture critical inquiry, serve patients and communities, and help people — especially our students — imagine new futures for themselves and the world.
This work depends on the creativity, dedication and generosity of our faculty and academic personnel, whose scholarship, teaching, mentorship and leadership enable us to deliver on our mission, and the thoughtful partnership of the leadership and membership of the Faculty Senate and its councils in shared governance, which strengthens our University. And it is made possible every day by the extraordinary talent and commitment of our staff, whose expertise, care and partnership sustain every dimension of the UW’s operations, services and community life.
As we begin this new year and new quarter, I am grateful for all that you contribute — and I am optimistic not because the challenges ahead are small, but because together we have the insight, skill and resolve to meet them.
Read the full message.
Federal Landscape
NIH settles lawsuits over grants
The National Institutes of Health has reached settlement agreements on two lawsuits over applications for continuing grants that were cancelled due to President Trump’s orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion and transgender health, among other topics. One lawsuit was brought by a coalition of 16 state attorneys general, including Washington, and the other was filed by a group of scientists and associations. Many of the grants had already been approved in earlier stages of the grant review process but were cancelled by the agency. The settlements require an evaluation of each application “in good faith” using its standard practices and as of the date of the agreement, 499 of 528 grants that were re-reviewed had been approved.
More on the federal landscape
Check UW Federal Relations for news and updates on federal issues. The Office of Research continues to post federal administration updates, as well as guidance and possible impacts to researchers and research award administrators who are directly affected by federal policies and processes. UW Finance, Planning and Budgeting, as well as the UW Federal Relations team, are keeping leadership apprised of developments.
State Landscape
Governor releases proposed 2026 supplemental budgets
In advance of the upcoming 2026 state legislative session, Gov. Bob Ferguson has released his proposed 2026 supplemental operating and capital budgets, the first step in a lengthy budget process. UW Finance, Planning and Budgeting’s brief summarizes the governor’s proposals and potential impacts to the UW. The 2026 session is set to begin Jan. 12 and end March 13. Once finalized, the operating budget will be incorporated into the UW’s fiscal year 2027 operating budget, which will be presented to the Board of Regents as an information item in May and as an action item in June. For a review of the 2025-27 biennial budgets, please see the FPB’s brief page. For the UW’s current requests for state funding, refer the 2026 supplemental operating and capital submissions.
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
Inside AI at the UW: A conversation with Noah Smith
In the first of a three-part interview series, Vice Provost Noah Smith discusses the vision, purpose and scope of the AI@UW initiative. Faculty can become involved in AI@UW by applying for a SEED-AI grant by Feb. 1 or by nominating a faculty member or themselves for the AI@UW advisory committee. Questions or ideas? Submit them here.
Understanding Civil Rights employee course available beginning next week
The Understanding Civil Rights employee course will be assigned next week to UW employees, including faculty and other academic personnel. The course, which must be completed between Jan. 13 and March 10,introduces the University’s civil rights policies and practices related to race, color, and national origin, and meets a key requirement under the University’s January 2025 resolution agreement with the U.S. Department of Education. Employees who are required to complete the course will be notified by the middle of next week through messages to their UW email and Workday inboxes.
Find shared research facilities and resources through new directory
Internal researchers and external partners can find resources to support their work through the Office of Research’s new Shared Research Facilities and Resources Directory. Find a shared research facility, or make your own available by contacting Adam Wojno, assistant vice provost for shared research facilities, at wojno@uw.edu.
Key links
- Office of the Provost’s Federal Policy Updates
- UW Medicine’s Federal Policy Updates (UW NetID required)
- Office of Research’s Federal Policy Guidance
- UW Research Makes America
Tell us what you think
REMINDER: Global Innovation Fund accepting applications now
The UW Global Innovation Fund is accepting applications for support for interdisciplinary research collaboration and global teaching and learning opportunities. UW faculty and staff may submit applications until the Jan. 31, 2026, deadline. Learn more from the UW Office of Global Affairs.
REMINDER: Open private funding opportunities for faculty, researchers
Faculty and researchers may search current open funding opportunities from private sources for their research and programs through a dashboard developed by the UW Corporate & Foundation Relations team.
Community
REMINDER: Nominate a student for the Husky 100 by Jan. 9
This spring, the Husky 100 will recognize 100 outstanding UW students who are making the most of their time at the UW. This is a remarkable way to recognize UW students who are demonstrating the University’s innovative spirit and commitment to improving our world, and faculty and staff are invited to nominate undergraduate and graduate students for the Husky 100 by Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Leadership
New UW chief financial officer announced
Jason Campbell is the University’s new the chief financial officer and senior vice president of finance, planning and budgeting, effective Jan. 1. Campbell, who joined the UW in 2017, had been serving as interim CFO and senior vice president since August.
REMINDER: UW strategic planning
Get the latest on the UW’s strategic planning efforts, an inclusive, community-informed process to develop a plan that will guide the University through 2030 — one that is ambitious, rooted in the UW’s distinctive capabilities and regional assets, and accessible to the public.