Turmoil in U.S. Science Agencies Following Executive Orders
In the wake of President Trump's Executive Orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), climate policies, "woke gender ideology," foreign aid, and other issues, U.S. science agencies have faced abrupt disruptions. Agencies suspended grants, blocked funding access, halted review panels, and removed research solicitations and databases. A White House spending freeze memo added to the chaos, though two federal judges later blocked its implementation, leading to its withdrawal.
Some agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), have reversed certain initial actions. For example, NSF had blocked access to its award payment system in response to the spending freeze memo, but later lifted the hold on February 2. And NIH resumed some proposal review panels that had previously been canceled. However, many scientists remain uncertain about the status of their awards, awaiting further clarification. Programs promoting DEI have been scrapped, and funding for related research has been denied. Websites and databases containing information on race, gender, and public health have been taken down.
NIH is not reviewing existing awards, but NSF has launched a detailed review process to scrutinize grants that may violate President Trump's executive orders related to DEI. According to reporting from Science Insider, NSF senior officials first selected 10,000 grants from its 50,000 active awards for review, which were then screened for keywords such as "diversity," "inclusion," "women," and "race." About 1,200 flagged grants, primarily in NSF's education directorate, are undergoing further scrutiny, though climate-related projects remain untouched for now.
It is currently unclear how many projects will be impacted. Some will likely require modification, rather than termination, to ensure compliance with new policies while maintaining funding. NSF staff hope to uphold existing awards, given that all grants have already passed rigorous merit-based evaluations. A webpage set up by NSF provides answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the agency's implementation of the Executive Orders.
New award announcements are paused at NSF until the review of existing grants is completed. NIH has altered or withdrawn solicitations related to promoting DEI and recruiting diverse individuals for clinical trials. NSF has also removed some ongoing and new program announcements from their website.
Agencies are awaiting further White House guidance on implementing the Executive Orders, which will hopefully provide clarity to researchers regarding compliance.
NSF Faces Major Staff Layoffs, Budget Cuts
The White House Office of Personnel Management has warned the National Science Foundation (NSF) to prepare for possibly laying off half of its 1,600 employees within the next two months.
The staff cuts are reportedly in response to President Trump's workforce-related Executive Orders. Neither the NSF nor the White House have provided details on the layoffs' implications. The reduction is part of a broader federal workforce restructuring, which includes buyout offers through a "deferred resignation" program that some former government officials have criticized as legally questionable. It's also unclear if the threatened reductions are compliant with union agreements. Affected employees are under pressure to accept the deferred resignation offers, or face getting laid off.
Additionally, Science Insider reported that Trump may propose slashing the NSF's $9 billion budget by two-thirds in his fiscal year 2026 budget request to Congress. Such deep cuts are likely to severely weaken U.S. leadership in science and technology. Critics argue that such cuts would cripple U.S. scientific leadership, drastically reduce grant success rates, and push researchers to seek funding elsewhere.
NIH Slashes Indirect Cost Rates for Grants
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a drastic reduction in the percentage of its grant funding allocated to indirect costs, slashing it to 15% from the previous average of about 30%. The new rate will apply to all new and existing grants, starting February 10, 2025. The move could cost universities billions of dollars and has sparked outrage across the biomedical research community.
"Although cognizant that grant recipients, particularly 'new or inexperienced organizations,' use grant funds to cover indirect costs like overhead, ...NIH is obligated to carefully steward grant awards to ensure taxpayer dollars are used in ways that benefit the American people and improve their quality of life," reads the memo from the NIH Office of the Director. "Indirect costs are, by their very nature, 'not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted' and are therefore difficult for NIH to oversee." The memo notes that some universities charge indirect rates of over 50%.
Universities, hospitals, and research institutes rely on indirect cost payments to cover essential research infrastructure, such as facilities maintenance and administrative expenses. Critics argue that the cut will severely impact research capabilities, threaten jobs, and reduce U.S. global leadership in science. Organizations like the Council on Governmental Relations and prominent scientists have condemned the policy as a major blow to innovation. While private foundations like the Gates Foundation impose similarly low caps, universities argue that federal grants play a unique role in sustaining research infrastructure.
The change echoes a previous effort by Trump to rein in overhead payments. In 2017, his administration proposed reducing NIH's indirect rate to 10%, which was blocked by Congress. Similar proposals are also outlined in Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint. Legal challenges and congressional intervention could still alter the policy's fate.
Update on Presidential Nominations
President Trump's nominees for key leadership positions in his administration have been steadily progressing through the Senate, with several confirmations in the past two weeks.
Interior: Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has been confirmed as Interior Secretary. The Senate voted 79-18 to confirm his nomination, with 26 Democrats joining the Republicans. Burgum has advocated for increased fossil fuel production on public lands, while also supporting the protection of national parks and clean energy development.
Energy: The Senate confirmed Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy on a vote of 59-38. Wright is the founder and CEO of Denver-based fracking company Liberty Energy and has been critical of federal efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Several Democrats, including Senate Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member Martin Heinrich of New Mexico voted in support of his nomination. Heinrich also sent a letter along with three of his Democratic colleagues urging Wright to "follow the law" and not terminate the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Justice and Equity. They also ask Wright to reinstate workers who have been put on administrative leave.
EPA: Former New York Representative Lee Zeldin, President Trump's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, was also confirmed with bipartisan support. The chamber approved his nomination by a vote of 56-42, with Democratic Senators John Fetterman (PA), Ruben Gallego (AZ), and Mark Kelly (AZ) joining the Republicans in voting "yes."
OMB: The Senate voted along party lines to confirm Russell Vought, Trump's nominee to lead the White House Office of Management and Budget. Vought briefly served in the same position in Trump's previous term. Notably, he's the author of a chapter in Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint, in which he proposes a "whole-of-government unwinding" of the Biden administration's climate policies. During his hearing, Democratic senators questioned Vought about his willingness to follow congressional spending directives. Vought defended Trump's authority to withhold appropriated funds, a stance that troubled Democrats. Vought also challenged the constitutionality of the Impoundment Control Act, which limits presidential control over federal spending, and expressed support for Schedule F, a policy that would make it easier to fire federal employees. On fiscal matters, Vought signaled a return to Trump's previous budget-cutting approach.
Health: Trump's Health Secretary nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faced scrutiny during his confirmation hearings, particularly for his vaccine skepticism, past conspiracy theories, and stance on environmental issues. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) challenged Kennedy on vaccines, presenting peer-reviewed data showing no link between vaccines and autism, but Kennedy refused to commit to endorsing vaccines, instead citing a smaller study. Kennedy highlighted his environmental work to bolster credibility, but he avoided denouncing Trump's claim that climate change is a hoax, prompting criticism from Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). He gave inconsistent responses on his past promotion of the conspiracy theory that Lyme disease was a military bioweapon, first acknowledging he might have said it, then denying he believed it. On chemical safety, Kennedy pledged to address chronic illnesses by studying harmful substances in food, medicine, pesticides, and the environment, assuring agriculture-focused Republicans that he seeks more research rather than strict regulations.
Following the contentious hearings, the Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines to advance Kennedy's nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Cassidy, a former gastroenterologist, ultimately backed Kennedy after securing concessions that will give lawmakers input on hiring and policy decisions. The full Senate has yet to schedule a confirmation vote.
Agriculture: The Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously approved Brooke Rollins' nomination for Agriculture Secretary, setting up an easy Senate confirmation. A former White House aide, Rollins served as President Trump's domestic policy chief during his first term and subsequently led two conservative think tanks. In those roles, Rollins has been a skeptic of climate change. During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized priorities such as disaster relief for farmers and modernizing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) operations but avoided direct stances on climate-focused farm policies. Rollins defended her fossil fuel ties, stating she supports all energy sources but did not explicitly endorse biofuels. She also backed proactive forest management to prevent wildfires and committed to ensuring USDA field offices remain adequately staffed despite a federal hiring freeze. Rollins' confirmation appears likely, as she enjoys broad support from farm organizations and bipartisan lawmakers.
Commerce: Howard Lutnick, the nominee for Commerce Secretary, is poised to be confirmed by the full Senate after advancing out of committee with a 16-12 vote. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined Republicans in supporting his nomination. During his confirmation hearing, Lutnick assured senators he has no plans to break up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and opposes proposals from Project 2025 to dismantle the agency or privatize its operations. He also praised the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), emphasizing its leadership in setting global standards, particularly in cybersecurity. Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) questioned NIST's consideration of climate change in its AI guidance, to which Lutnick affirmed that any guidance would be based on scientific and technical standards.
NOAA: Last week, President Trump nominated Neil Jacobs to serve as NOAA Administrator. Jacobs, who served as acting administrator during the first Trump presidency, currently works as a chief science adviser the Unified Forecast System, a NOAA-funded research program at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. Given his experience, his confirmation in the Senate could be swift. Jacobs supports integrating private-sector AI into weather forecasting, emphasizing its potential to enhance numerical weather prediction. His tenure at NOAA was marked by controversy, including his role in the 2019 "Sharpiegate" incident, where he faced internal scrutiny for defending Trump's false claims about Hurricane Dorian's path.
Trump Administration Shuts Down National Nature Assessment
The White House has abruptly terminated the National Nature Assessment, a first-of-its-kind study on the state of U.S. lands, waters, biodiversity, and ecosystems, just weeks before a draft was set for release.
Originally launched in 2022 under President Biden, the assessment was led by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and scheduled for completion in 2026. A draft of the assessment's 12 planned chapters was expected to be published soon. With the project scrapped, links to detailed information about the assessment on the USGCRP's website have now disappeared.
President Trump's Executive Order, Unleashing American Energy, and a rescinded Biden-era directive were cited as reasons for the decision. The move aligns with Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation plan critical of the USGCRP. The White House did not comment, but the move has left scientists and contributors scrambling to continue their work elsewhere.
The assessment aimed to explore nature's role in the economy, public health, and national security. Experts warn that its cancellation disrupts crucial environmental research that informs policy and decision-making.
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Leaders Announced
The Senate Appropriations Committee is undergoing leadership changes with Republicans taking control of the chamber. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) became the first female Republican Chair of the committee, while Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) moved to the role of Ranking Member. The leaders announced the final rosters for the 12 appropriations subcommittees, including the chairs and ranking members for each panel.
Notably, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, which drafts spending legislation for the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, will now be chaired by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), who replaces Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) will step in as Ranking Member.
Senator Shaheen will now serve as Ranking Member for the subcommittee that oversees funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) serving as Chair.
Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) will lead the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, which oversees spending for the Department of Energy. Senator Murray will serve as its Ranking Member.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) will chair the subcommittee that oversees spending for the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency, with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) serving as the Ranking Member.
The subcommittee overseeing spending for the Department of Health and Human Services, including the National Institutes of Health, will now be led by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
Trump Reestablishes PCAST, Shifts Focus to AI and Merit-Based Policies
President Trump has reestablished the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), which will be co-chaired by his science adviser Michael Kratsios and his AI and cryptocurrency czar David Sacks.
The panel, which will include up to 22 members from outside the government, was formed much earlier in Trump's new term compared to his previous administration, when he took almost three years to establish it.
The Executive Order emphasizes AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology as priority areas for PCAST while rejecting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, claiming they hinder innovation and research integrity. An accompanying press release stated Trump is "refocusing science and technology policy to emphasize results-driven excellence and merit-based achievement."
Read About AIBS' Science Policy Achievements in 2024
The AIBS Public Policy Office has released its annual report for 2024. This report describes the work AIBS has done this past year in collaboration with our members and partners to advocate for policies that advance biology.
Read about our accomplishments in science policy, which include:
-
Facilitated 61 meetings between scientists and lawmakers.
- Helped 122 scientists become advocates for science.
- Successfully launched a new public policy fellowship program in partnership with the Southeastern Universities Research Association to provide young scientists with valuable first-hand experience in science policy.
-
Continued joint efforts with our science community partners to protect science from deep budget cuts and secure supplemental funding for federal research agencies.
- Created a new policy resource for students--a comprehensive list of fellowships, internships, and training opportunities in science policy available to biologists studying in the United States.
-
Published guidance for the research community on implementing a specimen management plan requirement for proposals that involve collecting or generating specimens.
- Facilitated cross-domain discussions to engage an expansive set of stakeholders toward Building an Integrated, Open, Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (BIOFAIR) Data Network.
Read the 2024 Public Policy Office Annual Report.
AIBS Signs Letter Urging Increased Allocation for Agriculture Appropriations
AIBS has joined 43 other organizations in urging House and Senate appropriators to significantly increase the fiscal year (FY) 2026 allocation for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. This increase would fund crucial U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs "to support America's farmers, improve the security of our food supply, and restore our nation's agricultural communities."
"The food and agriculture sector relies on USDA research and extension programs to deliver science and innovation to our farmers and ranchers, giving them the tools needed to improve economic and environmental sustainability," the letter reads. "Science and innovation are responsible for the great success of modern agriculture. Without continued innovation, America is at risk of falling behind countries like China in biotechnology, AI and agri-tech innovations."
Read the letter.
Participate in the 2024 AIBS Congressional Visits Day
Join the American Institute of Biological Sciences on April 28-30, 2025 for our annual Congressional Visits Day in Washington, DC.
Meet with your members of Congress to help them understand the important role the federal government plays in supporting the biological sciences. Advocate for federal investments in biological sciences research supported by the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies.
Participants will complete a communications and advocacy training program provided by AIBS that prepares them to be effective advocates for their science. AIBS will provide participants with background information and materials, as well as arrange meetings with lawmakers on April 30.
Who should participate?
Scientists, graduate students, educators, or other science community members who are interested in advocating for scientific research and education are encouraged to participate in this important event.
The ideal participant will:
- Have an interest in science policy.
-
Work in a scientific profession or be enrolled in graduate school.
- Be able to speak about the importance of biological research funded by federal agencies (e.g. NSF, NIH, USDA).
- Provide compelling examples from their own experiences.
Training
The event includes a free, half-day training session on how to be an effective advocate for science policy. This training session will be held on April 29, 2025 and is mandatory for everyone who will be participating in congressional meetings.
Additionally, participants have the option to attend the highly acclaimed AIBS Communications Boot Camp for Scientists. This training course will be held in Washington, DC on April 28-29, 2025. This professional development program provides practical instruction and interactive exercises designed to help scientists (e.g. researchers, graduate students, administrators, educators) translate scientific information for non-technical audiences and to effectively engage with decision-makers and the news media. All participants who complete this optional training will receive priority access to the Congressional Visits Day and a certificate of completion indicating that they have successfully completed 16 hours of communications training. Click here for more information, including cost, for this two-day training program.
Registration
Express your interest in participating in the event by registering. Registration closes on March 3, 2025. Space is limited and we encourage you to register early. If registrations exceed program capacity, AIBS may prioritize registrants based on participation in the boot camp training, geographic diversity, and other factors. Register now.
Short Takes
-
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has dismissed all members of two key science advisory panels, allowing the Trump Administration to appoint new members. James Payne, Acting EPA Administrator at the time, said the decision to "reset" the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and Science Advisory Board (SAB) had been made "to ensure that the agency receives scientific advice consistent with its legal obligations to advance our core mission." The CASAC reviews air quality standards, while the SAB provides broader scientific guidance. Payne's move mirrors a 2021 action by then-EPA Administrator Michael Regan under President Biden, who similarly replaced panel members to address alleged deficiencies.
-
A new Research!America survey shows strong bipartisan support for U.S. investment in research and innovation. 92% of Americans believe the government should prioritize medical progress, and a similar majority values U.S. leadership in health research. 9 in 10 Americans believe the government should fund chronic and infectious disease research. 78% worry that China may surpass the U.S. in S&T dominance, and a majority want Congress to increase funding for science. The survey also highlights high public trust in professionals, with nurses (92%), doctors (88%), and scientists (78%) ranking among the most trusted.
-
A new report from the National Academies describes the state of knowledge of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids. The report details how CWD is transmitted among cervids, the current distribution of disease outbreaks, and the effectiveness of current diagnostic, prevention, and control methods available to limit the spread of the disease. A recent webinar discussed the report's main findings.
-
Applications are currently open for the Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship, which helps scientists hone their skills by putting them to practice for the benefit of Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. Fellows gain first-hand experience on the staff of federal, state, local, or non-governmental agencies in the Gulf States. Applications close February 26, 2025.
From the Federal Register
The following items appeared in the Federal Register from January 27 to February 7, 2025.
Commerce
Executive Office of the President
National Science Foundation
