Science Policy News from AIBS

Action Alert: Urge Your U.S. Senators to Support Robust NSF Funding

Congress has begun debating funding levels for federal programs for fiscal year (FY) 2027. Please show your support for the National Science Foundation (NSF) by asking your Senators to sign a Dear Colleague Letter in support of at least $9.9 billion for the agency in 2027.

NSF is the primary federal funding source for fundamental biological research at our nation's universities and colleges, allocating nearly 94% of its budget directly to research projects, facilities, and STEM education. In recent years, however, NSF funding has failed to keep pace with our nation's competitiveness needs. While the landmark CHIPS and Science Act demonstrated a bipartisan commitment to advancing U.S. science and innovation, actual appropriations continue to lag significantly behind authorized levels. Continued failure to meet these targets results in billions of dollars in lost opportunities for American discovery.

An effort is now underway in the Senate to build support for the agency. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) is circulating a Dear Colleague Letter calling on Congress to provide at least $9.9 billion for NSF in FY 2027 to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in science and engineering.

Please take a few moments to ask your Senators to sign the Markey Dear Colleague Letter. The deadline for Senators to be added to the letter is Noon ET on Monday, April 13, 2026. We have included a template letter for your convenience but you are encouraged to personalize the message.

Take Action.

Trump Again Proposes Deep Cuts to Federal Science Funding in FY 2027

The Trump Administration has again proposed sweeping reductions to federal research spending in its fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget request, renewing a push that Congress largely rejected the previous year. The plan calls for steep cuts across major science agencies--including the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science.

Overall, discretionary spending would rise by nearly 40%, from roughly $1.6 trillion to $2.2 trillion. Defense spending would grow by 40%, while spending on nondefense programs, including science, would drop by 10% to $660 billion. The budget proposal emphasizes prioritizing research areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, while calling for broader reductions in nondefense programs.

Science-related highlights include:

NSF would get $4 billion, a cut of 54% from its $8.8 billion budget in FY 2026, with funding concentrated in AI and quantum computing research. All NSF directorates would see a cut. Notably, the Biological Sciences directorate is slated to receive $225 million, a roughly 72% cut compared to FY 2025, while the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) directorate would be entirely eliminated. Existing SBE grants that align with Administration priorities in behavioral and cognitive science would be transferred to other parts of the agency, and the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, which tracks data on U.S. science, technology, and innovation and publishes the Science and Engineering Indicators, would operate independently of the directorates.
The proposal would cut more than $5 billion, or roughly 12%, from NIH and close down three of its institutes and centers focused on minority health and disparities, international research, and complementary and integrative health. The Administration also renewed its effort to cap indirect costs at 15% and shift to multiyear funding.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is slated for an overall 41% cut and the ARPA-H would see its budget slashed by 37%.
Similar to last year, NASA would see a 23% cut to its total budget, with its science budget cut roughly in half and dozens of "low-priority missions" terminated.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would get a 28% cut from $6.2 billion to $4.5 billion, targeting climate research programs, including the elimination of its Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) would receive $854 billion in FY 2027, a 54% cut relative to its FY 2026 enacted level.
The DOE Office of Science would get a relatively smaller 15% cut to $7.1 billion, but its biological and environmental research programs would be slashed by more than 50%. A 43% reduction is slated for ARPA-E, which funds high risk high reward research in energy.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s budget would be slashed by 52%, with a 32% reduction to its science and technology programs.
The Administration has once again proposed eliminating the Ecosystems Mission Area within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), despite Congress rejecting the proposal in FY 2026. USGS would receive an overall budget of $893 million (-37%), with cuts proposal for all programs except the geology and minerals program, which would expand by 21%.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) would see its overall discretionary budget drop by 19%. The Agricultural Research Service would receive a 1.6% cut, while the National Institute of Food and Agriculture is slated for a 38% reduction, with its competitive research grants program, the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, facing a 4% cut.

The proposal also includes a significant shift in federal support for scientific publishing, prohibiting agencies from spending on "expensive subscriptions to academic journals and prohibitively high publishing costs." The Administration argues that "numerous low-cost outlets" exist for disseminating federally funded research without providing any specifics.

As with last year's request, the final outcome will depend on congressional appropriations, setting up another major debate over federal science funding priorities.

Forest Service to Close Research Stations, Move Headquarters to Utah

A sweeping reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is raising concern among scientists and conservation groups as the agency moves to relocate its headquarters and significantly scale back its research footprint.

Announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture last week, the plan will shift the agency's headquarters from Washington, DC, to Salt Lake City, Utah, with about 260 staff relocating by 2027 while some positions remain in Washington. Officials say the move will place leadership closer to the 193 million acres of national forests--largely located in western United States--and improve responsiveness, alongside a transition to a "state-based" operational model and consolidation of research and support functions.

The restructuring will also centralize all research operations in Fort Collins, Colorado, and close 57 of its 77 research facilities in 31 states across the country. These changes would dismantle the agency's current regional research structure and affect long-standing field stations that support studies on wildfire, climate change, forest health, and ecosystem recovery.

The overhaul comes amid significant workforce attrition, with many research staff already departing due to layoffs and early retirements. Additional relocations are expected to drive further losses, raising concerns about diminished scientific capacity and continuity in long-term research programs.

The reorganization was first announced last summer, when agency leaders described the changes as a cost-saving measure that will streamline operations and strengthen field-based decision-making. However, critics warn that the scale of closures and staff disruptions could undermine the scientific foundation that informs forest management and weaken coordination between research and on-the-ground operations.

Endangered Species Panel Grants Sweeping Exemption for Gulf Drilling

The Endangered Species Committee--often referred to as the "God Squad" for its potential to influence the future of a species--has taken the extraordinary step of exempting offshore oil and gas development in the Gulf of Mexico from protections under the Endangered Species Act.

The unanimous decision, made during a brief closed-door meeting, marks the first time in more than three decades that the panel has convened and represents the broadest exemption in the law's history, applying to federal waters in what President Trump renamed the Gulf of America. A few days earlier, a federal judge declined to halt the committee from meeting after the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit challenging the process and arguing the Administration failed to follow required procedures.

Administration officials justified the move on national security grounds, arguing that environmental restrictions and ongoing litigation risk constraining domestic energy production. The Gulf currently supplies roughly 15% of U.S. crude oil, and officials--including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth--framed uninterrupted access to these resources as essential to economic stability and geopolitical resilience. The exemption also reflects a novel use of the law's national security provision, which had not previously been invoked at this scale. The panel's decision is final and not open to public comment.

Environmental advocates and legal experts strongly dispute both the rationale and the process. Critics argue that existing lawsuits seek stronger precaution and mitigation measures--not a shutdown of drilling--and that the Administration bypassed scientific input and public transparency. Unlike prior "God Squad" deliberations, which included extensive testimony from biologists and public review, this decision was reached without outside expert participation.

The implications for biodiversity are significant. The Gulf is home to the critically endangered Rice's whale, with only about 50 individuals remaining, as well as species such as the Kemp's ridley sea turtle and several threatened bird species. Scientists and conservationists warn the decision could push some species closer to extinction while setting a far-reaching precedent for future exemptions.

Trump Stocks PCAST with Tech CEOs

The White House has announced the appointment of 13 initial members to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), signaling a dramatic shift in how the federal government receives scientific advice.

Moving away from the traditional balance of university researchers and industry scientists, the new roster is almost entirely composed of high-level technology executives and venture capitalists. The council includes only one academic: Nobel Prize-winning physicist John Martinis from the University of California, Santa Barbara. PCAST will be co-chaired by Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios and David Sacks, who is no longer Trump's AI and Crypto Czar because his time limit as a special government employee has ended.

This iteration of PCAST is notably dominated by some of the world's wealthiest individuals, including tech billionaires such as Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Larry Ellison of Oracle, Michael Dell of Dell Technologies, and Sergey Brin formerly of Alphabet. With a combined net worth estimated at over $900 billion, the panel marks a departure from previous administrations where industry representatives were typically technical leaders, such as chief technology officers, rather than CEOs.

The Administration has stated that the council will prioritize the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced energy, to ensure the U.S. leads in a "Golden Age of Innovation." Additional panel members are expected to be announced in the near future.

Critics have highlighted the council's narrow focus and lack of diversity, noting that the group includes only two women--Lisa Su of AMD, a semiconductor company, and Safra Catz of Oracle--and completely lacks representation from fields such as biology and the social sciences. Observers argue that sidelining independent academic expertise in favor of industry giants may prioritize commercial interests and market dominance over broader scientific inquiry and public evidence.

New Executive Order Tightens Restrictions on Federal Contractors' DEI Efforts

President Donald Trump has issued a new Executive Order expanding federal efforts to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities among government contractors, escalating enforcement mechanisms that could include contract termination or debarment for noncompliance.

The order directs agencies to incorporate updated contract language within 30 days requiring contractors to certify they will not engage in "racially discriminatory DEI activities." Under the directive, federal contractors must also provide requested documentation to demonstrate compliance and will be held responsible for ensuring that subcontractors adhere to the same requirements. The policy effectively extends federal oversight beyond direct contractors, embedding DEI compliance restrictions throughout federal procurement chains.

A fact sheet accompanying the order asserts that some entities, including federal contractors, have attempted to conceal ongoing DEI activities despite prior Administration efforts to eliminate them. It suggests that the directive "establishes strong accountability mechanisms to ensure compliance is genuine and verifiable."

HHS, EPA Announce Federal Push on Microplastics Research

The Trump Administration has launched a new initiative to address growing concerns about microplastics, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announcing $144 million in funding through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study their presence in the human body and potential health effects. The effort aims to close major research gaps and explore ways to remove microplastics from the body.

At the same time, Administrator Lee Zeldin said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin evaluating microplastics, along with certain pharmaceuticals and additional "forever chemicals," as potential drinking water contaminants--an initial step that could eventually inform regulation. The agency plans to release a draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List in the Federal Register, which will be followed by a 60-day public comment period.

Scientists and policymakers broadly welcomed the focus on research, noting the limited understanding of microplastics' health risks despite their widespread presence in the environment and human bodies. Experts described the initiative as an important early step, while cautioning that translating research findings into enforceable protections will be a complex and lengthy process.

China Surpasses U.S. in R&D Spending Based on Purchasing Power

According to the latest science and technology indicators compiled by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), China has surpassed the United States in total research and development (R&D) spending when measured using purchasing power parity, reaching about $1.03 trillion in 2024 versus $1.01 trillion for the US.

This milestone reflects a long-term trend, driven by China's roughly 10% annual growth in research investment--far outpacing U.S. increases. The comparison has caveats (e.g., some uncertainty in estimates, differences in cost structures, and inclusion of military and business R&D), but it underscores China's rising global scientific influence, including leading in the total number of publications and highly cited papers.

However, the U.S. still maintains an advantage in basic research intensity, spending a larger share of gross domestic product (GDP) on fundamental science: 0.5% of GDP compared to 0.19% for China.

AIBS Joins 1,300+ Organizations in Opposing Proposed Federal Grant Changes

AIBS joined more than 1,300 nonprofit organizations across the country in signing a letter opposing the Trump Administration's proposed changes to the federal System for Award Management (SAM), the online platform used to apply for and manage federal funding.

The proposal has sparked widespread concern, drawing more than 20,000 public comments in opposition before the March 30 deadline.

"Under the proposed changes, applicants and recipients of federal financial assistance would be required to sign new certifications under penalty of criminal and civil law," the letter reads. "These certifications attempt to align with President Trump's executive order and the U.S. Department of Justice guidance, which misrepresent diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs and activities as 'illegal.' The new certification also includes provisions on undocumented immigration and terrorism."

Nonprofits caution that the proposed requirements are vague and overly complex, making compliance difficult to assess. This ambiguity could expose organizations to legal challenges and costly investigations even in the absence of wrongdoing, potentially forcing them to redirect staff time and resources away from mission-driven work to manage compliance obligations.

Science Coalition Requests At Least $9.9 Billion for NSF in FY 2027

The Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF), of which AIBS is a member, has called on congressional appropriators to provide at least $9.9 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF) in fiscal year (FY) 2027. CNSF is an alliance of more than 140 professional organizations, scientific societies, universities, and businesses that advocate for increasing the national investment in NSF's research and education programs.

Then letter reads, in part: "Investing in fundamental research is imperative to win the international innovation race. The United States cannot afford to cede leadership in the fields that will define the future--including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, advanced materials, and biotechnology. The catalyst for those transformative technologies is basic research, which often yields applications unforeseen at the time of discovery. NSF is the premier agency supporting basic research in all fields of science and engineering. No one can predict where the next breakthrough will emerge, so we must bolster research across disciplines and their intersections."

AIBS Endorses Letter in Support of FY 2027 Funding for EPA Science & Technology

AIBS has endorsed a community letter urging congressional appropriators to support increased funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Science and Technology (S&T) account in fiscal year (FY) 2027.

The letter recommends that Congress provide at least $876 million for EPA S&T, of which $40 million is requested for the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program.

"Sustained investment is needed at a time when EPA research resources have declined," the letter reads. "S&T funding has decreased from $846 million in FY 2010 to $744.2 million in FY 2026, and STAR program funding has fallen from $138 million in FY 2012 to $28.6 million in recent years. Despite these reductions, EPA-supported research continues to deliver significant returns."

Read the letter sent to the House. An identical letter was shared with the Senate.

AIBS Endorses Letters Supporting CDC's AMD and NWSS Programs

AIBS joined the American Society for Microbiology and other scientific organizations in urging House and Senate appropriators to provide robust funding for the Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) program and the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The letter in support of the CDC AMD program, signed by 24 organizations, calls for $175 million in fiscal year (FY) 2027 to support this critical public health and biosecurity infrastructure. It reads, in part:

"Established by Congress in FY 2014, the CDC's AMD program enables the agency to integrate next-generation genomic sequencing and advanced data analytics into public health practice. Prior to the program's inception, the U.S. experienced a widening technological gap, and the public health system was falling behind in pathogen genomics. Today, the AMD serves as a cornerstone of modern biosurveillance, providing modern genomic sequencing and data analysis tools that allow state and local health departments to rapidly detect, characterize, and track infectious diseases. Genomic data are also central in the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, demonstrating that the benefits of AMD extend beyond the immediate public health impact and into the healthcare industry."

The letter in support of CDC's NWSS, signed by 20 organizations, requests at least $120 million for the program in FY 2027.

"Wastewater Surveillance is a powerful and cost-effective public health tool that provides early warning of infectious disease outbreaks - without requiring individuals to be symptomatic or tested for infection," the letter reads. "Currently, NWSS supports wastewater surveillance data collection and reporting in all 50 states, seven territories, and several Tribal communities. Continued investment is vital to sustain and strengthen this program and ensure it can effectively inform U.S. biosurveillance, and health security efforts."

Read the letters.

Enter the 16th Annual Faces of Biology Photo Contest

Enter the Faces of Biology Photo Contest for a chance to win $250 and to have your photo appear on the cover of the journal BioScience.

The competition recognizes scientists who use imagery to communicate aspects of biological research to the public and policymakers. This year the competition is sponsored by the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology in addition to the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS).

The theme of the contest is "Faces of Biology." Photographs entered into the contest must depict a person, such as a scientist, researcher, collections curator, technician, or student, engaging in biological research. The depicted research may occur outside, in a lab, with a natural history collection, on a computer, in a classroom, or elsewhere. Help communicate science through imagery.

The First, Second and Third Place Winners will:

have their photos printed inside BioScience,
receive a one year online subscription to BioScience, and
receive the AIBS Member Society or Organization (MSO) discounted rate for one professional development workshop registration within 365 days of the announcement for the winning photos.

The First Place Winner will also have their photo featured on the cover of BioScience and will receive $250.

Submissions must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2026. Enter today.

Short Takes

The Nature Record National Assessment is the first comprehensive, independent, evidence-based assessment of how nature is doing across the United States--and how changes in nature are shaping our health, communities, culture, economy, and future. Their latest draft is now available for review and open for comments. Learn more about adding your input.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is holding an introductory webinar for a new funding opportunity, TechAccess: AI-Ready America, on April 14, 2026 at 1:00-2:00 pm ET. The program aims to "enable all Americans to expand access to artificial intelligence knowledge, tools, training and capacity-building to thrive in an AI-driven economy." The initiative will operate through a network of up to 56 state and territory-based Coordination Hubs selected through three rounds of competition. Join the webinar to hear from NSF staff and federal partners about the program and its goals, eligibility, and application process.
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), which operates the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has filed a lawsuit against NSF, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of Commerce, the Office of Management and Budget, and their respective directors, alleging the agencies are "waging a campaign of retaliation" against Colorado and its institutions because the state has refused to bow to federal authorities. Filed in federal court in Colorado, the case seeks to halt implementation of the restructuring and prevent further harm to NCAR's operations and scientific mission.
NSF has launched a new initiative to drive the creation of innovative technological solutions to improve K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics educational and learning experiences. The NSF Fostering Interdisciplinary Network Driven Educationally Responsive Solutions Foundry (NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY) program supports collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists and researchers to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. Join NSF for an introductory webinar on April 8 at 4:00-5:00 PM ET to learn more.