Johns Hopkins University laid off 110 employees this week as the Trump administration's cuts to federal research funding force one of the nation's largest research institutions to shrink its operations.
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Johns Hopkins cuts 110 jobs as federal research funding shrinks
The Johns Hopkins University laid off 110 administrative employees this week, citing a sharp decline in federal research funding that has reduced its multiyear research portfolio by more than $500 million.
"As our federal research portfolio shrinks, the infrastructure around it must change in parallel," a university spokesperson said Thursday. The layoffs hit administrative staff at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Carey Business School, and university administration.
The cuts extend a cost-reduction effort that began last year after the Trump administration terminated grants tied to the U.S. Agency for International Development, costing Hopkins roughly $800 million and forcing the elimination of more than 2,000 positions worldwide. The university reported receiving 43% less federal research funding and 28% fewer awards in calendar year 2025 compared with the prior year.
The administration has targeted universities over pro-Palestinian protests, diversity programs, transgender policies, and climate initiatives, arguing some campus demonstrations promoted antisemitism. Protesters and civil rights groups say the government conflates criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza with support for extremism, raising concerns about academic freedom and due process. Judges have ordered the restoration of some frozen funds, though the broader funding environment remains uncertain.
Hopkins earlier this year designated $60 million annually for two years toward a new internal research fund to support projects affected by the cuts. The university also implemented a hiring freeze, paused annual pay increases for employees earning more than $80,000, and reduced planned capital spending by 20% over five years.
The layoffs are not isolated to Hopkins. The University of Maryland, College Park eliminated 84 staff positions this month amid similar state and federal funding reductions, signaling broader pressure on higher education as federal research dollars tighten.
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