Science in Shambles: Researchers Share Their Struggles in 2025

In 2025, researchers in the United States faced immense challenges. The year started with a halt in key operations at the National Institutes of Health, disrupting ongoing studies and grant reviews. Simultaneously, executive orders were issued that declared only two sexes and ended diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Public data and analysis tools related to health disparities, climate change, and environmental justice were also removed. Federal support for research infrastructure was significantly reduced, and funding for numerous universities was withheld. Over the following months, billions of dollars in grants supporting research across various disciplines, institutions, and states were terminated. This included funding for ongoing studies that were forced to end prematurely. Federal agencies like NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U. S. Agency for International Development were downsized or dismantled. Researchers from different fields shared their experiences with these cuts. Carrie McDonough, an associate professor of chemistry, had a $1. 5 million grant from the EPA terminated because it no longer aligned with agency priorities. This grant was meant to develop machine-learning techniques for rapid chemical safety assessment. The uncertain future of federal research agencies has disrupted the pipeline for early-career scientists, with recent graduates losing jobs and countless opportunities disappearing.Cara Poland, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, runs a program that has trained 20, 000 healthcare practitioners on addiction treatment. With federal funding cut by 60%, her team can no longer develop their addiction medicine curriculum or enroll medical schools and clinicians in their program. Addiction-related deaths continue to rise as the healthcare system loses its capacity to deliver effective treatment. Brian G. Henning, a professor of philosophy and environmental studies, had a $19. 9 million grant from the EPA rescinded. This grant was meant to support projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and address environmental and climate justice challenges. The loss of this funding has left communities less equipped to handle extreme weather events and has resulted in the loss of jobs and investments. Nathaniel M. Tran, an assistant professor of health policy and administration, had his project examining access to preventive services and home-based care among LGBTQ+ older adults terminated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also stopped processing and making publicly available LGBTQ+ demographic data. Despite these setbacks, researchers remain committed to their work, pursuing new funding and continuing their research with fewer resources.