Researchers and scientists are facing uncertainty after the National Institutes of Health (NIH) directed officials to remove references to mRNA vaccines from grant applications, citing scrutiny from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The NIH’s acting Director Matthew Memoli instructed scientists to report any grants, contracts, or collaborations involving mRNA vaccines to his office and the White House. This move has sparked concerns among researchers that funding for mRNA vaccine research may be at risk.
A recent cancellation of grant funding for research on vaccine hesitancy has raised fears about the future of mRNA vaccine research. The NIH had stated in grant termination notices that it would not prioritize research on why people are hesitant to get vaccinated or exploring ways to improve vaccine interest and commitment.
The decision has been described as “reasonable” by an official at the NIH’s National Cancer Institute, suggesting that mRNA vaccine work may be next to face scrutiny. This move has raised concerns about the future of life-saving mRNA vaccine research, with researchers fearing the worst.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/03/federal-funding-for-mrna-vaccine-research-in-jeopardy-under-rfk-jr