Far More than Missed Paychecks: The Dismantling of America’s Leadership in Scientific Research
Recent attacks on science and scientists point to a larger crisis that is just beginning.
In late January, some of the most talented early career scientists in the United States learned suddenly (and without warning) that they would not receive their latest paychecks or continuing financial support for research projects already in progress. Even as access to some research funding has been restored (thanks in part to a federal judge), the unfolding crisis in American scientific leadership is just beginning.
For decades, the federal government has supported the salaries and material costs of teams of researchers working to solve some of the world’s hardest problems. The return on investment is immense: enabling advances in nuclear and renewable energy, robotics, manufacturing, safer drug delivery, life-saving vaccines, novel therapeutics to treat cancer, the internet backbone, the foundations of AI, and beyond. The painstaking process of discovery underlying these innovations are made possible, in part, by postdoctoral scientists, i.e., PhD-trained experts.
These postdoctoral scientists are just starting their careers and are future leaders of America’s laboratories. They compete for a relatively small number of nationally funded fellowships as a gateway to mission-driven careers in industry, government, and academic research. Such careers appear increasingly uncertain now that the executive branch is taking steps that effectively undermine the next generation of scientists, putting America’s position as the world leader in scientific discovery—and all the benefits it brings—at risk.
On January 27th, the Office of Management and Budget issued a memorandum that initiated a freeze and then a review of all federal grants. Despite court injunctions, the memorandum triggered an internal review at the National Science Foundation (NSF). As a consequence, the disbursement of new NSF grants was halted – similar concerns apply to other federal agencies that have halted grant review panels, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). New guidance subjects NSF grants to review if they use specific (potentially newly disallowed) words that could lead to further interruptions or even cancellation of funding.
In the life of scientists and science, research grants are needs – not wants. These grants provide the salary, equipment, and day-to-day costs that enable experts to innovate – knowing that failure is more common than success, and that breaking down barriers requires a long-term investment.
Without a monthly salary and stable research funds, many scientists would face career and financial uncertainty. Some would lose their jobs. Critical experiments and long-term research studies would be lost – along with the cumulative benefits of prior investment. Over time, and if not addressed, the US would lose its strategic advantage over competitors.
The US scientific research ecosystem is imperfect. There is a legitimate need to increase government efficiency and reduce the administrative burden on scientists and researchers. But, disrupting federally funded scientists at a key moment of their careers does not ‘maximize governmental efficiency and productivity’ as per the Jan 20th executive order establishing DOGE. Instead, short-circuiting grants disrupts the planning and implementation of research programs that propel the economy, save lives, and build a sustainable future.
America’s leadership in scientific research is at risk. Unpredictable halts to research funding will collapse the next generation of scientific laboratories before they have the chance to explore the unknown. Without a recommitment to research and discovery, then sooner than we expect, we might find ourselves wondering why American science has lost its prestige and why the products of transformative innovation appear first elsewhere and cost Americans more.
Well said!!