Northwestern University is reportedly close to resolving its conflict with the federal government by negotiating terms that include a $75 million payment and the restoration of previously withheld research funding. The settlement would resolve a pressure campaign launched by the administration that targeted university research relationships and compliance practices. The deal would end a sustained period of federal scrutiny that had jeopardised grants and collaborations. For Northwestern and peer institutions, the settlement—if finalised—would illustrate a path for restoring research ties while signalling that political disputes over foreign partnerships can be settled through negotiated penalties and compliance terms.