Monitoring the partial government shutdown

From: Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
Sent: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, 3 p.m.
To: KU Lawrence/Edwards faculty & academic staff and research support staff

Dear Colleagues,

Portions of the federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, when funding lapsed for agencies without a final appropriation for FY 2026, including the departments of Education, Health & Human Services, Homeland Security, State, Transportation and Defense. The U.S. House returned from recess today and is debating a funding package passed by the Senate late Friday.

There is optimism the funding lapse will be brief. The Office of Research is monitoring the situation and will keep you informed. 

As with previous federal government shutdowns, researchers should continue work on active, federally funded projects unless the project passes its end date or the funding agency explicitly communicates that work must stop.

Please see additional guidance provided on the Government Shutdown Information webpage, both in the Sept. 25 shutdown message and frequently asked questions.

Please contact Alicia Reed at amreed@ku.edu if you have other questions or to let us know if there is anything we can do to help you minimize the impact of a government shutdown on your research program.

Respectfully,
Shelley

Shelley Hooks
Vice Chancellor for Research