On Thursday, Johns Hopkins University, renowned as one of the leading centers of scientific research in the United States, made a significant announcement regarding workforce reductions. The university revealed plans to lay off over 2,000 workers both domestically and internationally, a direct consequence of the Trump administration's substantial cuts to international aid programs.
This unprecedented reduction in staff represents the largest layoff in the university's history, impacting 247 domestic workers based in Baltimore and an affiliated center. In addition, approximately 1,975 positions will be eliminated across 44 countries. These layoffs will primarily affect the university's prestigious Bloomberg School of Public Health, its medical school, and the affiliated nonprofit organization, Jhpiego.
Last year, nearly half of the Bloomberg School of Public Health’s total revenue was sourced from federally funded research, including a staggering $365 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.). The university anticipates a loss of $800 million in funding over the next several years due to the ongoing dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. by the Trump administration. This makes Johns Hopkins one of the top university recipients facing the brunt of these funding cuts.
The implications of these cuts extend beyond just Johns Hopkins. The university appears to be among the most severely impacted of major research institutions that rely on federal funding for their critical research studies and laboratory operations. Many institutions are currently grappling with the repercussions of these funding threats.
In a statement released on Thursday, Johns Hopkins described the situation as a “difficult day” for the institution. The university expressed its immense pride in its contributions to various global initiatives, which include efforts to care for mothers and infants, combat diseases, ensure access to clean drinking water, and promote countless other vital, lifesaving projects worldwide.
Ron Daniels, the president of Johns Hopkins University, provided further insight into the university's reliance on federal funding last week. He stated, “We are, more than any other American university, deeply tethered to the compact between our sector and the federal government.” This highlights the critical role that federal funding plays in supporting the university's extensive research and public health initiatives.
As Johns Hopkins navigates these challenging times, it remains committed to its mission of advancing public health and conducting groundbreaking research, despite the financial hurdles posed by federal funding cuts.
