August 27, 2025
The Department of Health and Human Services has officially ended the Minority Biomedical Research Support initiative, a program designed to provide financial assistance to educational institutions aimed at enhancing the representation of minority faculty, students, and researchers in the field of biomedical science.
In a recent announcement published in the Federal Register, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explained that this decision aligns with two executive orders focused on reducing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which were signed by President Trump shortly after his return to office. Additionally, the cancellation is influenced by a 2023 ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that prohibits affirmative action in college admissions. The termination will take effect on September 25.
Secretary Kennedy stated, “The MBRS initiative emphasizes racial classifications in the distribution of federal funds,” noting that it uses metrics such as “minority student enrollment” to assess eligibility for applicants. He further elaborated that while the Supreme Court’s decision primarily addressed university admissions, the underlying principles also extend to federal programs, necessitating the discontinuation of the MBRS initiative.
According to a report from STAT, Rochelle Newman, a psychologist at the University of Maryland who utilized the funding to support undergraduate researchers, expressed concern that the elimination of such programs could result in a significant loss of talent in the scientific community for future generations.
In light of these developments, it is crucial to explore alternative pathways to support diversity in biomedical research and ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to contribute to scientific advancements.