Molecular biologist Chiara Masnovo spent weeks filling out an application for a research fellowship earlier this year. She was 38 weeks pregnant and starting a new job at the time, which made the process even more challenging. The fellowship she was applying for was the Hanna Gray fellowship, created by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds in their transition to leading their own labs. For Masnovo and others, this opportunity was seen as a lifeline to an academic career, especially in a time of uncertainty and cuts to research funding.
The news of the fellowship being put on hold came as a blow to Masnovo and other hopeful postdoctoral researchers. HHMI, the largest private funder of biomedical research, announced that it would no longer be considering applications for the upcoming cycle. This decision was part of a series of retrenchments by HHMI amidst the Trump administration’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. While many applicants understood the challenging circumstances that led to this decision, they couldn’t help but feel demoralized during a critical time in their careers.
The pause in the Hanna Gray fellowship was unexpected for many applicants, given HHMI’s previous assurances that there would be no changes to other programs. This decision left many questioning the institute’s commitment to its values and pillars. The changes at HHMI reflect the broader challenges faced by early-career researchers, who are already grappling with limited funding opportunities and job security. With concerns about stability and certainty in their future careers, postdocs like Masnovo and others are left wondering about the direction of their academic pursuits.
