Science in the US: A Year of Setbacks and Resilience

In 2025, scientists in the US faced unprecedented challenges. The year started with the National Institutes of Health halting key operations, which disrupted ongoing studies and grant reviews. This was followed by executive orders that rolled back diversity and inclusion programs and removed crucial public data related to health disparities and climate change. Federal support for research infrastructure took a hit in February and March. Universities saw their funding slashed, and billions of dollars in research grants were abruptly terminated. Agencies like NASA, the EPA, and NOAA were downsized or dismantled, leaving many projects in limbo. Researchers from various fields shared their experiences with these funding cuts. One scientist, who was working on a project to assess chemical safety using AI, saw their grant terminated despite it aligning with the administration's priorities. This disruption not only halted research but also cut off opportunities for early-career scientists.Another researcher, who trains healthcare practitioners to treat addiction, saw their funding cut by 60 percent. This has led to a shortage of trained professionals, worsening the addiction crisis. Meanwhile, a team working on climate resilience projects in Spokane lost their $19. 9 million grant, leaving the community less prepared for extreme weather. LGBTQ+ health research also took a hit, with projects being terminated and crucial demographic data no longer being made public. Despite these setbacks, researchers remain committed to their work, driven by a sense of purpose and dedication to their communities. Pediatric brain cancer research faced significant cuts, leaving labs underfunded and understaffed. This has forced scientists to make tough decisions about their research and personnel. The broader impact of these cuts includes the dismantling of programs aimed at improving equity in science, which will have long-lasting effects.