Growing number of federal health agencies are combing grants for taboo words, unnerving researchers – STAT

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By Usha Lee McFarling, Angus Chen, and Sarah Owermohle
Feb. 13, 2025
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. 
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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.
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Usha Lee McFarling
National Science Correspondent
Usha Lee McFarling, a veteran science reporter based in Los Angeles, has written for STAT since 2015 and covers health disparities.
Angus Chen
Cancer Reporter
Angus Chen covers all issues broadly related to cancer including drugs, policy, science, and equity. He joined STAT in 2021 after covering health and science at NPR and NPR affiliate stations. His work has been recognized by national Edward R. Murrow awards, the June L. Biedler prize for cancer journalism, and more.
Sarah Owermohle
Washington Correspondent
Sarah Owermohle reports on the administration’s health care initiatives, federal health policy, and its intersection with politics and the courts. She joined STAT in 2022 after covering health policy at Politico. She is also the co-author of the free, twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter.
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