On February 7, 2025, the current administration issued a policy to standardize indirect cost rates at 15% across all NIH-awardee institutions, replacing previously negotiated rates that often ranged from 30% to 70%. This means that a large amount of funding that universities require to conduct research, pay staff, and maintain facilities will be withdrawn. While federal judges have temporarily frozen this policy from taking action, universities have taken preemptive measures to prepare for funding cuts. These measures include tuition increases, program cancellations, and rescinding students. Washington University's tuition is going up by 5.8% for the next academic year, making it the largest tuition increase in the institution in the past 11 years(WashU announces highest tuition increase in over 10 years amidst Trump administration - Student Life). The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School has begun rescinding admission offers to several dozen prospective Ph.D. students in biomedical sciences for the Fall 2025 term. The University of Pittsburgh, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Southern California have all implemented temporary pauses on graduate or PhD admissions amid financial uncertainties stemming from federal funding changes. ​I recently attended the Chicago Society for Neuroscience 2025 Conference and witnessed firsthand the effect that these funding changes can have on the world. Many researchers were distressed and feared for the future of research for their generation and the younger generation. As a high schooler wanting to go into medicine, I share many of these concerns. Many of the summer programs I have applied to have been cancelled, and finding opportunities has become much more difficult. Upon talking to members of the public with no ties to research, it seems our cause is misunderstood. Many see these cuts as a way to bring the country out of debt. While it could potentially be a benefit, the effect these cuts will have will scar America’s post-secondary education permanently. As a result, it is important to bring awareness to this topic. Hi, my name is Manu Gadhiraju, and I am a student at the Illinois Math and Science Academy. By signing this petition, you are endorsing this cause and my attempts to bring this to the attention of Illinois and national representatives.