VPDoR Newsletter - April 2026
Dear Chairs and Directors,
This newsletter provides updates on the following topics:
Leadership Update - Independent Labs
OPACS Updates
Helium Supply Chain Issue - Impact of Gulf Conflict
Next VPDoR Research Town Hall
VPDoR Leadership Update – Independent Labs
Three of our independent physical science units have new faculty directors this academic year: Ginzton Laboratory, the Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials (GLAM), and the PULSE Institute. The new leaders were profiled in a recent Stanford Report Article.
OPACS Updates
In response to faculty feedback, the VPDoR team has updated OPACS to make the disclosure process more intuitive and efficient. Improved functions and navigation tools have been added to the interface, allowing users to pause and return later to their disclosures. Most OPACS sections are simplified to minimize redundancy and streamline the layout.
During this year’s annual disclosure process, faculty should experience less visual clutter and a clearer path to completion. VPDoR will be evaluating user experience with the revised system, and we will continue to make changes based on feedback received.
Helium Supply Chain Issue - Impact of Gulf Conflict
Geopolitical disruptions stemming from the war in Iran, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have significantly impacted global helium supply. Even once the Strait of Hormuz reopens, further delays are likely due to the destruction of supply lines in Qatar. Despite these challenges, Stanford’s primary Helium provider – Linde – has committed to maintaining 100% of Stanford’s current helium supply. To support this commitment, Linde is requiring a 15% price increase effective June 1, 2026, outside of the standard annual adjustment cycle. To mitigate this risk and ensure accountability, Stanford Procurement has implemented contractual safeguards including quarterly market reviews and defined de-escalation triggers to lower costs as global production recovers.
We advise research groups that depend on helium to plan for potential disruption related to the Strait of Hormuz by updating budgets, tightening forecasts, and incorporating contingency assumption through FY26-FY27. Departments should also review operational priorities and conservation measures to help maintain continuity of critical research activities during potential supply constraints. If you have questions please contact Patricia Moss, pmoss@stanford.edu.
Next VPDoR Town Hall
Our next VPDoR Research Town Hall is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be updates on federal agency activity and sponsored research at Stanford. This session will include a special appearance from the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, Ken Goodson, who will discuss issues affecting trainees and other early career researchers. The panel will also respond to questions – posed in advance and live.
Town Hall (Webinar)
Thursday, May 14th 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (PT) – JOIN HERE
Webinar ID: 967 1424 6217
Passcode: 554925
Questions may be submitted in advance here.
Town Hall Panelists:
David Studdert, Vice Provost and Dean of Research
Kenneth Goodson, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs
Ruth O’Hara, Senior Associate Dean for Research, School of Medicine
Russell Brewer, Associate Vice President of Research Administration, Office of Research Administration
Chantal Morgan D'Apuzzo, Senior University Counsel, Office of the General
Megan Arleth, Associate Vice President, Federal Relations, Office of Government Affairs
Panel Moderated by:
Jodi Prochaska, Senior Associate Vice Provost, Clinical Research Governance and Professor of Medicine
Please share relevant parts of this letter with anyone in your orbit who may find the information and links helpful.
Stay safe and be well,
David Studdert
Vice Provost and Dean of Research