Canberra: Leading Australian universities have raised concerns over funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration on certain research projects and new conditions placed on others receiving U.S. government support.
The Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition representing Australia’s top research-intensive universities, warned that these measures could undermine vital medical and defence-related research.
According to the Go8, some researchers receiving U.S. federal funding were required to complete a detailed 36-question survey evaluating their work’s alignment with President Donald Trump’s policy priorities. The questionnaire included inquiries about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs—initiatives the Trump administration has sought to eliminate. Researchers were reportedly given as little as 48 hours to respond.
"We are deeply concerned about the broader impact of this policy, particularly on the future of health and medical research, as well as critical defence collaborations," said Go8 CEO Vicki Thomson in a statement.
The Go8 has called on the Australian government to intervene and has sought urgent clarification from U.S. authorities, including an extension for researchers to complete the questionnaire.
A spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Canberra declined to comment, while Australia’s education ministry has yet to respond to inquiries.
The U.S. is the largest international research partner for Australian universities, with Go8 institutions collectively securing approximately $161.6 million in grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) between 2020 and 2024.
Some researchers have recently received "show cause" notices, requiring them to justify continued U.S. funding. The questionnaire, issued by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, asked researchers to confirm the absence of DEI elements in their projects and whether their work aligned with Trump administration priorities such as border security, drug trafficking prevention, religious protections, and supply chain resilience.
