In response to the recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy reducing indirect cost reimbursements to 15%, Castor has announced free access to its flagship clinical trial technology platform for any federally funded studies in the United States, via the Castor for Impact Program. This significant cut from previous reimbursement rates has placed many research institutions under immense financial strain, generating concern that essential scientific work could grind to a halt.
The ripple effects of this policy shift have already touched both new and ongoing grants. Universities and academic medical centers depend on these overhead allocations to sustain vital research infrastructure, such as administrative support and technology solutions. With indirect costs now substantially reduced, projects face heightened risk of operational setbacks or, in some cases, cessation.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Castor is offering its platform at no cost to help researchers maintain data integrity, regulatory compliance, and efficient workflows without draining their already limited budgets.
Dr. Derk Arts, CEO and Founder of Castor said,
“With so many projects funded under the previous indirect cost structures, researchers are suddenly dealing with unexpected financial hurdles.
We believe that impactful discoveries should not fall victim to shifting budgetary policies. Making our platform free for federally funded studies through the Castor for Impact Program is a direct response to the challenges faced by researchers nationwide.”
The Castor for Impact initiative aims to remove barriers for critical research across a range of therapeutic areas and institutions. By providing secure data capture, rapid deployment, and automated study management features, the program allows investigators to maintain focus on scientific innovation rather than administrative tasks. Furthermore, the user-friendly setup requires minimal IT support, allowing studies to launch quickly and continue with minimal disruption.
Eligible investigators can visit the Castor for Impact webpage to complete a straightforward online enrollment process. This streamlined approach helps protect ongoing research from setbacks brought on by funding uncertainty. As the landscape of federal research support continues to evolve, Castor’s expanded initiative offers a reliable safeguard—ensuring that scientists can keep driving medical progress forward.