Seattle, WA – The University of Washington (UW) has implemented an immediate freeze on non-essential hiring and travel, responding to growing uncertainties regarding federal and state funding.

In a staff communication issued late last week, university officials outlined these financial risk mitigation measures, warning of potential further budget cuts in the near future.

“The trajectory of federal funding, while not entirely predictable, remains troubling, and Washington state is facing a significant budget shortfall,” stated UW President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Tricia Serio. “Both of these factors, individually challenging, together present substantial risks to our financial stability.”

The move follows similar actions taken by universities across the country, as higher education institutions contend with financial pressures under the threat of federal funding cuts. President Donald Trump recently announced the withdrawal of $400 million in federal grants from Columbia University, citing the school’s failure to protect Jewish students from antisemitism.

Both Columbia and UW were among 60 institutions that received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education on Monday, warning of potential enforcement actions if they do not meet their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to address antisemitism on campus.

In response, UW spokesman Victor Balta emphasized the university’s commitment to combating antisemitism, stating that the school has taken several steps to strengthen its approach to addressing such issues. “We continue to work closely with Jewish students, faculty, and community leaders as we implement the recommendations from the UW Antisemitism Task Force and foster a more inclusive environment for all students,” Balta said.

The hiring freeze has already been in effect at UW Medicine since last month. The impact of these measures is already being felt, particularly in the university’s research efforts. UW biochemist and recent Nobel laureate David Baker, speaking at a recent event, highlighted the immediate challenges posed by the freeze. The inability to hire new post-doctoral students and the uncertainty surrounding future funding are disrupting vital scientific work.

“This uncertainty could have long-lasting negative effects, not just on biomedicine, but across all scientific fields,” Baker explained. “Most innovation actually takes place at universities, not in large companies, and universities also provide the workforce that drives the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.”

The University of Washington is the top recipient of federal research and development funding among public universities in the U.S. In 2024, the university received more than $1.3 billion in federal funding for research.

As UW navigates these financial challenges, officials have emphasized the importance of strategic financial planning and are continuing to evaluate the impact of these measures on the university’s long-term goals.