SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. visited Capitol Hill on July 22 to advocate for federal support in areas important to SUNY campuses, including Stony Brook University. He met with congressional members and staff to discuss the need for funding in scientific research, higher education, student financial aid, and public hospitals.
Chancellor King focused on the proposed FAIR (Facilities and Administrative Indirect Recovery) model, which seeks a new way of reimbursing research institutions for costs related to federally funded research. He urged Congress to prevent any immediate action by federal agencies that would cap indirect cost reimbursement rates at 15 percent—a proposal under consideration by agencies such as the NIH, NSF, DOE, and DOD.
“Research doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it requires physical labs, utilities, security, and compliance infrastructure,” SUNY Chancellor King said. “SUNY and institutions like Stony Brook play a vital role in driving scientific innovation, and we must ensure that they have the resources to continue the groundbreaking, life-saving research that is underway across the SUNY System.”
A group known as the Joint Associations Group (JAG) on Indirect Costs was formed in April to explore alternatives to current indirect cost models. The group includes representatives from colleges, universities, medical schools, hospitals, medical centers, and independent research institutions. Subject matter experts evaluated existing frameworks and potential changes. The FAIR model aims for more transparency and shared responsibility when supporting indirect costs such as lab upkeep or regulatory requirements.
Chancellor King also spoke about protecting student financial aid programs and investing in public hospitals—both seen as essential to SUNY’s mission and important for equity and public health throughout New York State.
Stony Brook University’s Office of Federal Relations joined Chancellor King for a meeting with Congressman Nick LaLota. The SBU team helped organize discussions highlighting both Stony Brook’s and SUNY’s priorities. According to university officials, this collaboration strengthens SUNY’s advocacy efforts in Washington by promoting policies that support academic research, accessible education opportunities, and public health resources.
