WASHINGTON, D.C. — As of April 9, 2026, the National Science Foundation placed a hold on future awards to Duke University, Harvard University, Princeton University, and Yale University.

No new National Science Foundation grants have been awarded to scientists at Duke University or Harvard University since April 9, 2026. In fiscal year 2026, the four universities combined received only 13 new NSF grants, a decline from the 218 grants awarded to them collectively in 2024.

The NSF’s Office of Award Management has paused 33 proposals from researchers at the four universities. These proposals have remained pending for an average of 91 days, longer than the typical 10-day period required to finalize most NSF research grants.

The reason for the funding hold remains unclear. Agency documents confirm the pause in awards, but neither the National Science Foundation nor its offices have provided a public explanation for why these four institutions were singled out for funding limitations. The duration of the restrictions is also unknown.

The National Science Foundation declined requests for comment from both Nature and Inside Higher Ed. Officials have not indicated whether the hold is linked to compliance reviews, budgetary constraints, policy changes, or other administrative factors.

In 2024, before the hold was implemented, Duke, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale were among the top recipients of NSF funding. The current pause affects new awards but does not rescind previously approved grants.

The universities have not issued a joint statement regarding the funding pause. Individual institutions have referred inquiries to the National Science Foundation.