26-03-2025
RTI International layoffs deepen as federal funding uncertainty grows
RTI International, a research nonprofit and one of the Triangle's largest employers, is laying off another round of employees due to the uncertainty of federal funding.
Why it matters: Since the start of the Trump administration's efforts to cut federal funding, RTI International has laid off more than 500 staff members.
Driving the news: That includes an additional 340 U.S.-based employees announced on Tuesday — 177 of which are in North Carolina.
The nonprofit said it anticipates making more changes to its operations in the coming weeks.
State of play: RTI, the first-ever tenant in Research Triangle Park, had more than 1,000 employees in the Triangle before the start of this year.
The research nonprofit, formed by the North Carolina state government as well as Duke, UNC and N.C. State, has been a major recipient of federal research funding over its history.
Between the fiscal years of 2013 to 2022, RTI received $2.3 billion from USAID.
But USAID has been significantly downsized under the Trump administration, which has cut a majority of its future grants.
FHI 360, another Durham nonprofit that has laid off hundreds of employees, was set to receive around $3.8 billion from USAID.
What they're saying: "Taking this step was not easy, but it's necessary to position RTI for long-term success and strengthen our ability to serve federal, state and local government and commercial clients, RTI International CEO Tim J. Gabel said in a statement.
