Layoffs deepen at RTI International

Layoffs deepen at RTI International

RTI International says it will cut another 200 positions this quarter.

Why it matters: The Triangle-based research institute has already laid off hundreds of others as the U.S. cuts back on scientific and humanitarian research under the second Trump administration.

What they're saying: RTI released a statement on Thursday saying the cuts would help streamline the 68-year-old organization's operations and "sharpen RTI's focus on areas where the institute can deliver distinctive impact."

  • The layoffs come on top of hundreds of cuts made last year, soon after the federal government made clear it would slash budgets and cancel grants for two of RTI's key partners — the U.S. Agency for International Development and the National Institutes of Health.

    • By the numbers: RTI said it laid off more than a third of its workers in 2025.

  • A year ago, the nonprofit reported having about 1,800 employees in North Carolina, down about 18% from the start of 2025.

    • What we're watching: Perhaps some new investment lies ahead. The Trump administration has been exploring ways to reimagine clinical trials to speed up drug development — an area of expertise for RTI.