Trump Administration Proposes Shifting Research Funding From Institutions to Individual Scientists
The Trump administration in the United States plans to redirect a portion of the annual $200 billion research and development funding, moving it from academic institutions to individual scientists, according to a White House memo.
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 22, 2026 —
A White House memo indicates that the Trump administration is planning a significant shift in how federal research and development funds are allocated. The proposal aims to redirect a portion of the approximately $200 billion in annual funding away from academic institutions and toward individual scientists.
The memo, which outlines the administration’s intentions, suggests a move towards a more personalized approach to research grants. While specific details regarding the exact percentage of funds to be redirected or the timeline for implementation were not immediately available, the stated goal is to empower individual researchers directly.
This potential change in funding strategy could have wide-ranging implications for the scientific community, impacting how research projects are initiated, funded, and conducted across the United States. The current system primarily channels R&D funding through established institutions such as universities and government laboratories. The proposed shift would represent a departure from this long-standing model.
Further information regarding the specific mechanisms for awarding funds to individual scientists, the criteria for eligibility, and the potential impact on institutional research programs is expected to be released as the plan develops. The exact amount of funding involved in this redirection and the specific agencies that would be most affected have not yet been detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by Miranda Nazzaro on thehill.com, see more information here.
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