Science in Crisis: The National Science Foundation's Sudden Shifts

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is facing a storm. The government agency, which is a big supporter of basic science, math, and engineering, especially in colleges and universities, is under fire. The latest blow came from the White House, which proposed a budget cut of $4. 7 billion. This is more than half of the NSF's $9 billion budget. This news came on the same day the NSF announced it had canceled 344 previously approved grants. These grants were terminated because they "did not align with agency priorities. " This is not the first time such cancellations have happened. Earlier, in April, over a thousand awards were terminated in two separate waves. The NSF is not just canceling old grants; it has also stopped issuing new ones and funding existing ones. This has left many scientists in a state of uncertainty. They are worried about how to support their labs and the students and early-career researchers who work there. This uncertainty is already having an impact. Some scientists are starting to think about leaving their jobs. The NSF's director, Sethuraman Panchanathan, recently stepped down. He said, "I believe I have done all I can. " This move adds to the turmoil at the NSF. The proposed budget cut has been described as a "crisis" and a "catastrophe" for U. S. science. The budgetary process could take months, leaving scientists in limbo. The cancellations have affected a wide range of research. Some of the grants canceled initially involved diversity, equity, and inclusion or looked at misinformation or disinformation. These areas have previously been targeted by Republicans in Congress. But the cancellations did not stop there. They have also affected conferences, education initiatives, and research at small, midsize, rural, or minority-serving colleges and universities. For many poorer students, these conferences are one of their few chances to attend a high-level scientific event. The White House's budget request for 2026 says it will cut funding for climate, clean energy, and "woke social, behavioral, and economic sciences. " However, it will maintain funding for Artificial Intelligence and quantum information sciences research. The abrupt termination of grants with little explanation has left all scientists feeling the impact. Even those who are not affected are worried they might be next. This uncertainty is stressful and has shaken the faith of many scientists in the future of their careers.