Columbia cuts nearly 180 staff involved in grants cut by Trump administration

In a statement posted to the school’s website on Tuesday, signed by acting President Claire Shipman, the school administration said it would need to “take actions that preserve our financial flexibility and allow us to invest in areas that drive us forward.” The staff departure is in direct response to the withdrawal of over 300 multi-year awards for federally funded research.

“Moving forward, we will be running lighter footprints of research infrastructure in some areas and, in others, maintaining a level of research continuity as we pursue alternate funding sources. In some cases, schools and departments are winding down activity but remain prepared to reestablish capabilities if support is restored,” the statement read.

“Across the research portfolio we have had to make difficult choices

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