Welcome to Federal Relations

We connect faculty with federal funders, share Boston University’s expertise with policymakers, work with national educational and scientific organizations, and increase BU’s visibility in Washington as the federal government considers policies affecting research universities.

What You Need to Know

Recent News & Events

News

President Melissa Gilliam Outlines Bold “North Star” Vision for Boston University’s Future

January 28th, 2026

During her first Presidential Address, Gilliam called for BU to become a “global destination of discovery, education, and human connection”.

News

CTE Can Cause Dementia, According to New Boston University Study

January 27th, 2026

BU CTE Center researchers found advanced stage of the progressive brain disease increases odds of dementia fourfold.

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Video: Leaders Among Us—President Gilliam in Conversation with Merav Opher

January 23rd, 2026

Noted BU astronomer talks about her pioneering research and the qualities that make for a good leader.

News

A Solution to the Cocktail Party Problem—Hidden in the Brain

January 22nd, 2026

BU researchers are mixing neuroscience, photonics, and engineering to help people with hearing loss pick out sounds in noisy spaces.

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Small Lifestyle Changes in Your 20s Can Shape Your Heart Attack Risk for Decades, BU Study Finds

January 20th, 2026

Even modest improvements to diet, sleep, and exercise in young adulthood can dramatically lower the odds of later cardiovascular disease.

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Brink Bites: BU Expert to Help Lead UN Climate Report, Undergraduates Study Secrets of the Universe

January 14th, 2026

The Brink’s latest collection of news nuggets, short stories, and other thought-provoking snippets from the world of Boston University research—including a BU expert being tapped to help lead a major United Nations climate report.

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More Than 46 Million in the US Live Within a Mile of Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

January 8th, 2026

New Boston University study suggests urban residents are disproportionately exposed to potentially harmful energy supply chain infrastructure.

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Best of The Brink 2025: 10 Inspiring Inventions and Impactful Ideas from Boston University Researchers

December 16th, 2025

From soft robots that could make cancer surgery safer to an algorithm that boosts hearing aid performance, how BU research made a difference this year.