Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Achieves Improved Safety and Security of Biological Research

5/5/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Objective: Improve the safety and security of biological research both in the United States and globally to protect public health, safety, and national security.
Ending Foreign Funding: Terminates current and future Federal funding for dangerous gain-of-function research in countries of concern (e.g., China and Iran) and nations with insufficient research oversight.
Domestic Funding Controls: Authorizes American research agencies to identify and cut Federal funding for biological research that poses threats to Americans, including research that might trigger another pandemic.
Enhancing Oversight: Pauses research involving infectious pathogens and toxins in the United States until a new, enforceable, and transparent oversight policy is developed with input from OSTP and the National Security Advisor within 120 days.
Addressing Past Policy Shortcomings: Critiques previous policies (e.g., DURC/PEPP and nucleic acid synthesis screening frameworks) for inadequate oversight and self-reporting, contrasting them with the new enforcement and reporting mechanisms included in this Order.
Promoting Innovation: Aims to safeguard American biotechnology advances and maintain global leadership in biosecurity and health research, while still allowing productive research to proceed.
Context and Rationale: Reflects President Trump’s long-standing concerns regarding lab-related incidents, including his views on the COVID-19 lab leak theory, and underscores the need for transparency and robust oversight in biological research.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order halts federal funding for gain-of-function research in countries with insufficient oversight, which could impact international collaborations and research projects involving Vanderbilt University.
There is a risk that the pause on research using infectious pathogens and toxins in the U.S. could delay or disrupt ongoing research projects at Vanderbilt, particularly those related to virology and infectious diseases.
The increased oversight and enforcement mechanisms may require Vanderbilt to enhance its compliance and reporting processes, potentially increasing administrative burdens and costs.
Vanderbilt may need to reassess its research priorities and funding strategies to align with the new federal policies and ensure continued support for its research initiatives.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Department of Biological Sciences may face challenges in securing federal funding for research involving pathogens and toxins, necessitating a shift in research focus or funding sources.
The Office of Research Administration will likely need to implement new compliance measures to adhere to the enhanced oversight and reporting requirements outlined in the Executive Order.
International research collaborations may be affected, particularly those involving countries identified as having insufficient research oversight, requiring strategic adjustments to maintain partnerships and funding.

Financial Impact

The halt on federal funding for certain types of biological research could lead to a reduction in available research grants, impacting Vanderbilt’s research budget and necessitating the exploration of alternative funding sources.
Increased compliance and reporting requirements may result in higher administrative costs, affecting the overall financial planning and resource allocation for research activities at Vanderbilt.
Opportunities may arise for Vanderbilt to lead in developing safer and more transparent research practices, potentially attracting new funding and partnerships focused on biosecurity and biotechnology innovation.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Research should review current and planned research projects to ensure compliance with the new Executive Order on gain-of-function research. This includes identifying any projects that may be affected by the pause on research using infectious pathogens and toxins and preparing to adjust or halt these projects as necessary.
The Department of Biological Sciences should engage with the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Security Advisor (NSA) to stay informed about the development of new policies governing gain-of-function research. This will help ensure that Vanderbilt’s research practices align with federal guidelines and maintain eligibility for federal funding.
Vanderbilt’s Federal Relations Office should monitor the implementation of enforcement and reporting mechanisms outlined in the Executive Order. By understanding these mechanisms, the university can better navigate compliance requirements and avoid potential funding disruptions.
The Center for Biotechnology and Health Security should explore opportunities to contribute to the development of safer and more transparent research policies. By leveraging its expertise, the center can play a role in shaping national standards and enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation as a leader in biosecurity and biotechnology.
Vanderbilt’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center should assess the potential impacts of the Executive Order on biotechnology innovation. Identifying areas where Vanderbilt can lead in safe and productive biological research will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the field.

Opportunities

The Executive Order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine to focus on research that aligns with the new safety and security standards. By prioritizing projects that enhance biosecurity and public health, the school can secure federal funding and contribute to national efforts in these areas.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the emphasis on American biotechnology dominance by expanding partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies. This could include collaborative research initiatives, technology transfer agreements, and joint ventures that enhance Vanderbilt’s role in driving innovation and economic growth.
The order’s focus on transparency and enforcement in research oversight offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing legal expertise and recommendations, the law school can influence the development of robust research governance frameworks.
By hosting conferences and workshops on the implications of the Executive Order, Vanderbilt can position itself as a thought leader in the national conversation on biosecurity and biotechnology. This engagement can enhance the university’s visibility and attract top researchers and students to its programs.

Relevance Score: 4 (The Executive Order necessitates major process changes for Vanderbilt’s research programs due to new compliance and oversight requirements.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.4

Timeline for Implementation

Develop and implement a safer, more enforceable policy within 120 days.

Relevance Score: 2

Impacted Government Organizations

Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): Tasked with leading the development of safer, more enforceable oversight policies for biological research, as directed by the Executive Order.
Office of the National Security Advisor (within the National Security Council): Responsible for partnering with OSTP and federal funding agencies to implement enhanced biosecurity protocols and reporting mechanisms under this directive.
Federal Research Funding Agencies: These agencies will be directly affected by the prohibition on funding dangerous gain-of-function research and the new oversight framework imposed by the order.

Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal agencies are directly impacted by the directive.)

Responsible Officials

Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) – Directed to work with funding agencies to develop a safer, more transparent policy governing biological research.
National Security Advisor (NSA) – Tasked with collaborating with funding agencies to establish enforceable oversight of biological research within 120 days.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect high-level White House officials with significant policy impact.)