Photo credit: www.yahoo.com
Dr. Katie Edwards (center front) poses with members of the Interpersonal Violence Research Laboratory and her wife at a professional meeting in New York City in March 2025. Courtesy of Katie Edwards
The Interpersonal Violence Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan has recently faced a significant setback, losing six grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in just a few weeks. The lab’s focus on violence prevention and positive development among LGBTQ+ youth and racial and ethnic minorities falls under the categories labeled by the previous administration as “DEI” and “gender ideology.” This has raised concerns about the future of vital public health research in America.
In an effort to maintain the lab’s operations, Dr. Edwards has sought alternative funding options, written appeals to the NIH, and initiated legal action against federal agencies to reverse the grant terminations. She reflects on the broader implications of these challenges, emphasizing the need for researchers to communicate the significance of their work to the public effectively. Had there been more awareness and understanding, she believes, there might be stronger public opposition to the actions that threaten public health research.
The impact of their research extends beyond academic settings; it plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety and well-being of various communities across the nation. Stopping such research could lead to disastrous consequences for many individuals and families.
Research focused on public health must consider minority populations to be effective. Historical disparities indicate that different groups experience unique challenges and require tailored solutions. For instance, risk factors that affect heterosexual teens may not necessarily apply to LGBTQ+ youth. Similarly, resources available to various racial or ethnic groups experiencing violence can differ widely. Tailoring research to specific populations enhances the potential for achieving health equity.
Creating inclusive research environments is essential. It contributes to more meaningful findings and invites a diverse array of perspectives that enhance the depth and integrity of public health studies. Dr. Edwards notes that her lab’s work aims to bridge gaps between the health experiences of majority and minority populations.
A young adult who participated in a terminated study on sexual assault among sexual minority men expressed gratitude for the inclusive space provided, illustrating how vital it is for marginalized voices to be heard in research settings.
LGBTQ+ youth, who constitute about 10% of the nation’s youth, and racial/ethnic minority youth, accounting for nearly half of American youth, face heightened vulnerabilities and barriers to accessing support services. If programs aimed at their specific needs are eliminated, the consequences could be severe, potentially leading to increased instances of violence, mental health crises, and substance abuse.
Most people likely know someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, whether it be a student, a neighbor, or a friend. These individuals, and their families, also deserve access to effective prevention and treatment programs. Dr. Edwards recalls feedback from a teen participant highlighting the importance of mentorship and support during a recent NIH-funded project.
Cutting funding not only jeopardizes vital research but also impacts the livelihoods of those employed in this sector. Dr. Edwards oversees a diverse team of over 50 dedicated individuals, many of whom share personal connections to the mission of keeping youth safe from violence. A Native American elder in her lab emphasized the significance of their work in healing from historical trauma.
The potential loss of employment for her staff weighs heavily on Dr. Edwards. The emotional strain from impending layoffs, coupled with the halt of life-affirming research efforts, creates a profound sense of helplessness.
Dr. Edwards emphasizes that her commitment to this work surpasses the pursuit of grants; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the world. Despite recent turmoil, she finds solace in the unwavering support from her staff and a refreshing transformation in her parents’ outward support for public health initiatives, motivating her to keep advocating for change.
The deep bond she shares with her wife offers emotional support amid these challenges, reinforcing the idea that love can endure hardships. Dr. Edwards expresses hope that those affected by cuts to public health research can also find strength and encouragement to persevere.
Public health research has the power to improve countless lives, often in ways people might not even realize. For those who have benefited from medical advancements, there’s a strong likelihood that NIH-funded research played a role in their care. Unfortunately, many of these initiatives are now in jeopardy.
In light of these developments, Dr. Edwards encourages readers to explore the breadth of NIH-funded research through the NIH Reporter. By searching for topics relevant to personal or loved ones’ health struggles, individuals can uncover the critical work taking place nationwide, much of which is now at risk of termination. Dr. Edwards expresses regret for not previously sharing the significance and humanity of her work more widely, hoping it is not too late for a collective effort to restore funding for essential public health research.
Dr. Katie Edwards is a professor of social work at the University of Michigan, where she directs the Interpersonal Violence Research Laboratory (IVRL). The IVRL, which employs over 50 staff currently at risk of losing their jobs, studies violence prevention and positive youth development among vulnerable youth, including LGBTQ+ youth and racial/ethnic minority youth. Dr. Edwards has published a number of papers, and her work has been funded by federal agencies and private foundations. Dr. Edwards grew up in Georgia, where much of her family resides today, and she currently lives in Michigan with her wife and their four cats.
Source
www.yahoo.com