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.
Federal Landscape
Federal appropriations for fiscal year 2026 moving forward
The U.S. House and Senate last week passed an appropriations package that included funding for the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Funding levels across the majority of science-focused accounts were equal to, or slightly less than, fiscal year 2025. For example, NSFreceived $9 billion for FY2026, compared to the $9.06 billion it received in FY2025. The Administration’s budget for FY2026 requested $3.9 billion for NSF. Please see the Federal Relations blog and chart for specifics. This week, the U.S. Congress released the remaining appropriations bills slated for consideration, including the National Institutes of Health, Department of Education, Economic Development Administration, and defense spending, among others. This final package will be the remainder of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills. Congress is anticipated to pass the remaining bills before the continuing resolution expires on Jan. 31. For more information, please check the Federal Relations blog.
Across the FY2026 legislation, Congress has enacted language that would prohibit the Administration from changing the Facilities and Administration (F&A) rate, which is used by grantees to be reimbursed for basic costs associated with conducting research. Changing the F&A rate has been a hot federal topic, and higher education collectively has been advocating moving from the existing model to the Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) model with the goal of increasing transparency, accountability and clarity. While almost every division of the FY2026 final appropriations included provisions prohibiting the Administration from changing the rate, there was language encouraging the adoption of the FAIR model. At present, there is no change in F&A but it is greatly encouraging and appreciated that Congress recognizes the need to move forward in a way that would preserve our nation’s ability to conduct research.
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.
International
State Department pausing visas for 75 countries
The U.S. Department of State has paused issuing immigrant visa for applicants from 75 countries. Non-immigrant visas, including UW-sponsored visas and those issued to international students, are not affected. The pause impacts those who apply through U.S. consulates abroad to come to the U.S. as permanent residents.
However, prospective and current students and/or scholars traveling outside the U.S. without a valid visa from certain countries – and those applying for post-completion practical training or OPT STEM extension applications – could be impactedby other restrictions. Presidential Proclamation 10998 restricts and limits entry to the U.S. for citizens of specific countries, a list that was expanded Jan. 1. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released updated guidance that also pauses some immigration benefit applications for citizens from these countries. This hold includes UW-sponsored visas like F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN and E-3. UW International Scholars Operations has contacted all units with impacted visa requests. Read the International Scholars Operations’ blog post for more information. International Student Services has also contacted all impacted students. Read the ISS Government Update for details
Leadership
Research Resilience and Transformation group finalizing reports
The 31-member committee of the Research Resilience and Transformation Advisory Group, representing faculty across all three UW campuses, is finalizing two major deliverables: a guiding principles document based on a draft provided by the group’sexecutive committee, and a summary report outlining guiding principles and key considerations for advancing five strategic priorities. Both documents were informed by survey input from deans and chancellors and their faculty consultative groups. The advisory group identified the following five strategic priorities: operational process improvement, shared research resources, impactful research investment, alternative funding and public engagement, and modernizing research training. Workgroups for each priority engaged stakeholders through surveys and meetings to identify emerging needs, strategic recommendations, and key considerations for implementation that were incorporated in the summary report which is being finalized for the president and provost. When finalized, the reports will be shared with the University community and will guide decision making on next steps.
Big Ten ad airs during national championship, highlights research, impact
The Big Ten’s “We Are Here” ad highlighting the positive impact of member universities aired during the conference’s airtime in this week’s College Football Playoff National Championship. With an audience expected to top 20 million viewers, this appearance caps off a season in which the ad showcased how Big Ten universities contribute to the health and prosperity of the nation. Developed under the leadership of University Marketing & Communications staff alongside other university partners, the ad ran throughout football season and will soon be succeeded by the second ad in the series, which will focus on student outcomes.
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
SAVE THE DATE: Students Are Using AI. Now What?
UW faculty and teaching staff are invited to learn more about teaching and AI at a day-long seminar Feb. 17 in the HUB Ballroom, presented by AI@UW. The seminar will feature a keynote lecture by José Antonio Bowen, an educator, musician and co-author of the book Teaching with AI. The program also will include a workshop and presentations by UW faculty members.
Inside AI at the UW Part 3: A conversation with Noah Smith
In the third of a three-part interview series, Vice Provost for AI Noah Smith discusses AI and the student experience and the relationship between higher education and industry.
REMINDER: Student health fee survey open through Feb. 4
To support, sustain, and improve health and well-being services at the Seattle campus, ASUW and GPSS are exploring the creation of a student health fee. This proposed fee would help fund student services at the Counseling Center, the Husky Health Centerand LiveWell: Health Promotion & Prevention. To gather students’ feedback on the proposal, the Health for Every Husky — Student Health Fee Survey is open through Wednesday, Feb. 4.
REMINDER: Funding available through Civic Health Initiative
The UW Civic Health Initiative has released a funding call for three categories of small grants. These grant programs are designed to foster new collaborations and innovations that strengthen civic health and democratic institutions nationwide. Innovations proposed for funding to these grant programs must align with one or more of the areas of focus for the initiative’s work. Applications for all three programs are due Friday, Feb. 6.
REMINDER: 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.
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 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.