A research laboratory at Harvard Medical School, led by Dr. Joan Brugge, has experienced significant operational disruptions due to federal funding issues, impacting its work on breast cancer prevention. The challenges, stemming from a temporary grant freeze and subsequent obstacles to renewal, coincide with ongoing national debates and differing proposals for the future budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Research Focus: Identifying Breast Cancer "Seed Cells"
Dr. Brugge's team at Harvard Medical School conducts research aimed at preventing breast cancer. The project, supported by a seven-year, $7 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), involves analyzing breast tissue samples to map the development of the disease from initial cell mutation to tumor formation.
In late 2024, the team identified specific "seed cells" containing the genetic precursors of breast tumors, which were found to be present in both cancerous and healthy breast tissue samples.
The immediate objective of the research is to develop methods for detecting, isolating, and eliminating these mutant cells before they can form tumors.
Federal Funding Freeze and Its Immediate Aftermath
In April 2025, the NIH grant for Dr. Brugge's lab, along with most federal funding for Harvard researchers, was frozen by the Trump administration. The administration cited the university's handling of antisemitism on campus as the reason for this action.
As a direct result, some lab staff lost federal fellowships, and others were informed that salary guarantees could not be maintained.
The lab consequently experienced a reduction of seven employees out of 18.
Restoration and Ongoing Renewal Hurdles
The NIH funding was restored in September 2025. However, during the period of the freeze, the Trump administration had prohibited Harvard researchers, including Dr. Brugge, from applying for subsequent multiyear grants.
Although a federal judge later lifted this prohibition, Dr. Brugge had missed the application deadline for renewal.
Her current funding is therefore scheduled to conclude in August. To address the impending funding gap, Dr. Brugge has sought private funding, which enabled the reinstatement of two positions for a minimum of one year.
National Debate Over NIH Funding
The future of federal funding for cancer research nationally remains subject to debate. President Trump has proposed a nearly 40% reduction in the NIH budget for the fiscal year 2026. A White House budget message cited reasons including "wasteful spending, misleading information, risky research, and the promotion of dangerous ideologies" by the NIH.
Congressional proposals offer different approaches:
- The House budget plan includes a $48 million increase, which would bring the NIH budget to $46.9 billion.
- The Senate plan proposes an additional $400 million for the NIH, including $150 million specifically designated for cancer research.
These differing budget proposals are currently unresolved.
Broader Impact of Funding Cuts on Cancer Treatment
Advocates, such as Mark Fleury of the American Cancer Society, have stated that federally funded research has played a role in the 34% decline in the cancer death rate since the early 1990s. Fleury noted that reductions in research funding could affect patient treatment options.
The Congressional Budget Office projects that a 10% cut to the NIH budget could result in two fewer new drugs or treatments annually.
Furthermore, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study indicated that over half of FDA-approved drugs developed with NIH funding since 2000 might not have materialized with a 40% smaller NIH budget.
Operational Challenges and Brain Drain
Dr. Brugge has reported dedicating approximately half of her time to securing new funding and managing staff concerns, a shift from her previous focus on research. The operational changes in her lab have also affected the development of future cancer researchers.
Of seven staff members who departed in 2025:
- One relocated internationally.
- One joined a health care management company.
- Four pursued further education.
- One remains in job search.
One former computational biologist moved to Switzerland for a research and Ph.D. program, citing concerns about potential visa implications upon returning to the U.S. for scientific conferences.
Dr. Brugge has also ceased accepting job applicants from outside the U.S. due to a new $100,000 fee on visas for some foreign researchers, a policy implemented by the Trump administration.
The administration stated the fee's purpose is to reduce reliance on foreign workers and enhance opportunities for American citizens. This fee is currently subject to a legal challenge by the Association of American Universities and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who assert it is misguided and illegal.
Dr. Brugge anticipates ongoing operational challenges for her lab, citing concerns about future actions that could trigger similar disruptions. Despite considering shutting down her lab, she continues due to ongoing research commitments and the potential of her discoveries.