Trump banned words: NIH, VA flagging research grants

The National Institutes of Health and some VA regions are scouring existing grants using lists of flagged words, which include not just known trigger words for the Trump administration — trans, nonbinary, and diversity — but also “women” and  “Covid.”  

The purpose of the lists remains unclear. But the agencies’ directives, following reports last week of the National Science Foundation flagging grants with some similar language, are setting off fears that funding will be eliminated or reduced for certain research areas, including racial health disparities and women’s health. 

Amid the uncertainty, some scientists told STAT they are considering self-censoring themselves to improve their chances of receiving grants. Early-career researchers said they may gravitate toward safer topics to ensure they can finish Ph.D.s and move into academic jobs, which often hinge on federal funding, or leave academia altogether.