Official White House photo by Shealah Craighead
NSF Director Resigns Amid DOGE-Led Budget Cuts and Grant Terminations
Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), has resigned 16 months before the end of his term. His departure follows significant budget reductions and grant terminations mandated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.
The NSF faces a proposed 55% budget cut, reducing its $9 billion budget to approximately $4 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, DOGE has instructed the NSF to lay off half of its 1,700 employees. Panchanathan’s resignation letter cited his belief that he had done all he could to advance the agency’s mission and that it was time for new leadership.
Termination of Over 400 Grants
Under DOGE’s directives, the NSF has terminated more than 400 active research grants, totaling approximately $233 million. These terminations primarily affect projects related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as studies on misinformation. Notable among the canceled projects is a bird conservation study at Virginia Tech, which had engaged over 20,000 participants.
The NSF has also frozen all new research grants, sending approved proposals back for re-evaluation to ensure compliance with executive orders targeting DEI initiatives. This unprecedented move has disrupted numerous research projects and raised concerns within the scientific community about the politicization of science funding.
Broader Implications for U.S. Science
The NSF’s budget cuts are part of a broader trend of reduced funding for scientific research under the current administration. Other agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and NASA, are also facing significant budget reductions. These cuts have prompted warnings from scientists about the potential long-term damage to the United States’ scientific leadership and innovation.
The scientific community has expressed concern over the abrupt termination of grants and the freezing of new funding, emphasizing the importance of stable support for research endeavors. The NSF’s actions have led to legal challenges and calls for transparency in the decision-making process regarding grant terminations.
