Posted March 12, 2026 by Office of Research and Innovation
Dear Colleagues,
As the federal research landscape continues to evolve, I want to share several updates and encouragements regarding the current budget environment, agency priorities, and opportunities for faculty engagement this spring.
I have spent some time in Washington, D.C. over the last month meeting with Nebraska’s congressional delegation offices and federal agency representatives. These meetings reinforced the opportunities before us. Federal budgets remain under pressure, and agencies are navigating shifting priorities, tighter scrutiny, and increased competition for available funds. At the same time, the message from our delegation and agency contacts was clear: Strong ideas, intentional engagement, and competitive proposals remain essential, and universities that stay active and connected will be in the best position to succeed.
The recent FY26 federal budget process illustrates how dynamic the environment remains. Early White House budget proposals included significant cuts across a number of agencies and programs, creating understandable concern across the research community. Proposed reductions were especially notable for the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, which account for almost half of UNL’s federal sponsored research portfolio.
As Congress completed appropriations, the outcome was more positive than initially proposed. For most agencies, final enacted budgets landed closer to flat or only slightly below prior-year levels rather than reflecting the deeper reductions originally put forward. While that result does not eliminate pressure on agencies or the competition for awards, it does suggest that the 2026 funding environment is more favorable than many had feared several months ago. The takeaway for faculty is that opportunities remain, agency priorities continue to move forward, and strong proposals are still very much worth pursuing.
Source: AAAS, R&D Budget and Policy Program, aaas.org.
These recent visits to Washington, D.C., provided a valuable opportunity to advocate for the importance of Nebraska’s research enterprise and to highlight the impact of your work across the state and beyond. Discussions with Nebraska’s delegation emphasized continued interest in the role university research plays in boosting economic growth, national competitiveness, workforce development, and solutions to challenges important to our state. Meetings with federal agencies also offered insight into emerging priorities, evolving program directions, and the importance of maintaining direct communication with agency staff as programs and funding opportunities take shape.
In the coming months, there will be additional opportunities to connect with federal agencies and better understand funding directions. Take advantage of webinars, virtual briefings, campus visits, and other outreach opportunities as they arise. These engagements can provide valuable perspective on agency priorities and can help position your work more effectively for future submissions.
I also want to underscore the importance of connecting directly with program officers. In this environment, those conversations matter more than ever. Program officers can help clarify fit, identify the most appropriate funding mechanisms, and provide insight into how agency priorities are being interpreted in practice. If you are considering a proposal this spring, now is the time to reach out, refine your concept, and move forward with submission plans. Members of the R&I Research Development team can provide support as you develop or implement your agency engagement strategies and will be offering upcoming sessions on connecting and engaging with federal agency partners:
- Thursday, March 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 152, Prem S. Paul Research Center at Whittier School. Register here.
- Friday, March 27, 10-11 a.m., Room 152, Prem S. Paul Research Center at Whittier School: Register here.
- Monday, April 6, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Room 161, Peter Kiewit Institute (Scott Campus): Register here.
Please be aware that federal agencies are still experiencing significant staff reductions, which may affect how quickly information is communicated and response times from program officers. I would ask that you continue to be patient with agency staff as they manage heavier workloads.
Despite changes in the broader federal landscape, this is not the time to sit back. I encourage faculty to continue developing and submitting strong proposals this spring. Being situated in an EPSCoR state, UNL has a unique opportunity to tap into additional resources from NSF, potentially as early as this spring. IDeA co-funding is another option to consider.
Finally, I want to offer an important reminder regarding current awards. Please continue to manage and spend existing funds thoughtfully and in alignment with project timelines and sponsor expectations. In the current environment, no-cost extensions may be subject to greater scrutiny and should not be assumed. We encourage principal investigators and research administrators to review award balances and project plans carefully and to take appropriate steps now to ensure timely use of awarded funds.
Thank you for your continued leadership, persistence, and commitment to advancing research excellence. Your work is critically important, and we remain committed to supporting you as you pursue new opportunities and navigate this changing landscape.
Jennifer Nelson
Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
