Welcome to The Research Policy Dispatch

A weekly newsletter highlighting federal policy actions that impact academic research and funding. Highlights key actions from Congress, the White House, and federal agencies. Free to read, and complements the paid Research Policy Atlas dashboard.

Signal vs. Noise: A New Framework for The Research Policy Atlas

Jan 27, 2026

In a moment designed to overwhelm, here's a framework for distinguishing between what changes what you do and what just changes how you feel.

The Research Policy Dispatch [Relaunch Edition]

Jan 20, 2026

The Dispatch is back, but different. Less policy analysis, more quick hits. What moved, what matters, where to look deeper.

2026 is going to be interesting. Probably not in a good way.

Dec 5, 2025

Federal science funding is being rerouted through new political and administrative channels. Institutions should prepare for a year where predictability and transparency may be in short supply.

Restarting Research: Key Reflections From the Federal Shutdown

Nov 14, 2025

Two critical challenges for administrators as agencies resume operations

On Pause

Oct 17, 2025

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause. In policy and research administration alike, constant motion can feel like progress, but often the best insights often surface in stillness. This week, while Congress stands still, maybe it’s an invitation to take stock, breathe, and prepare for the next turn. Not every week has to be a sprint.