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I plan on majoring in psychology on a pre-med track. I will be attending college in Boston beginning in the fall of 2025. I would like to be involved in as much professional research as possible. I am concerned about university research funding with everything I have been reading about and seeing on social media. Is this a legitimate concern?

I plan on majoring in psychology on a pre-med track. I will be attending college in Boston beginning in the fall of 2025. I would like to be involved in as much professional research as possible. I am concerned about university research funding with everything I have been reading about and seeing on social media. Is this a legitimate concern?
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hi Mason,

That's a very thoughtful question, and it's good that you're already considering participating in study. The simple explanation is that university financing for research can change, particularly in response to institutional goals, governmental changes, and economic fluctuations.
Opportunities are not going away, though, particularly in a place like Boston, which is home to some of the world's best hospitals and research universities.

Many labs continue to get steady financing through private foundations, university-supported programs, or federal grants (such as NIH or NSF), even if some may have more limited resources. Being proactive as a student is your greatest option.

Start off by establishing trusting relationships with your teachers, join pre-med and psychology clubs, and don't be afraid to approach research laboratories as early as your first semester. When students are driven and eager to learn, especially those pursuing a pre-med program, many professors are happy to serve as mentors.

Even if there is little research at your own university, there can often be opportunities to collaborate or intern elsewhere in the city because to Boston's extensive network of medical and scientific institutions, which includes Harvard, MIT, BU, Tufts, and Mass General Hospital.

Therefore, while it's wise to be mindful of financial realities, don't let that stop you. Stay interested, involved, and willing to trying out various kinds of study. You'll stand out thanks to your drive, and you're likely to get the kind of practical experience you're looking for.

Best wishes!
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Annah’s Answer

Mason, I have to agree that yes this is a concern. And also, we are talking about the current political climate only; it is all temporary. What I suggest is that you look for schools affiliated with a major hospital known for its robust research. At UW for instance, research is ongoing across a myriad of departments- within academia, medical and behavioral health providers. The future is unknown; and sometimes major changes may impact systems and organizations long term. However, you may choose to follow other researchers as they seek studies abroad; while this may not be ideal, it could be a fantastic opportunity. Keep in mind your education plan will take time to complete; you may be looking at a decade of study; during this time anything may happen. Engage in discussions with your professors; keep abreast of current and potential funding cuts. Most research positions and programs require a minimum a BA level degree; research for psychology students begins in graduate school. This is where you learn about human subjects design, complete qualitative or quantitative research, and implement a research project. Not knowing more about the medical school experience, I cannot speak to that. If this is a passion for you and you are willing to pursue all avenues- I have no doubt you can carve out a niche for yourself somewhere. Truly this is all anything takes- an unswerving drive and perseverance.
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Suzanne’s Answer

I feel like your concern is, unfortunately, a legitimate one, Mason. Federal funding of research is being threatened, severely cut back, and in some cases, actually eliminated. Of course, sometimes there are ways a lab/researcher can "back-fill" from other funding sources like other college resources, alumni, states, non-profits, foundations, donors, etc. but there will be a lot of need and fewer dollars to go around in many cases. It would not surprise me if university labs and research operations had fewer undergrad employees in the coming academic years. Your plan to be a psychology major while following a pre-med track may still well make sense for you ultimately leading to a very fulfilling career in medicine, but you may have to really look into many more research sites before you come up with a paid position. (Volunteer positions, I assume, may expand as a result of fewer dollars and would still, if you can afford to work without pay, be an option).

I wish you all the best in these challenging times.

Suzanne recommends the following next steps:

Look into research options which interest you and contact the principal investigators now, even before your school year starts. Let them know of your interest and see if they will keep your CV and contact info on file. Followup again after the school year starts. Be (pleasantly) persistent.
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