The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has terminated over 1,425 grants, and a proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 would cut funding for the NSF and the National Institutes of Health by 55% and 40%, respectively. This freeze on funding and the introduction of a new policy to screen grant proposals for alignment with NSF priorities have sparked concerns among researchers, who fear that good science may be stifled.
Forecast for 6 months: The NSF will continue to face significant funding cuts, leading to a decline in the number of research grants awarded. This may result in a shortage of skilled researchers and a decrease in the pace of scientific progress in the US.
Forecast for 1 year: The impact of the funding cuts will be felt across various fields of research, including medicine, physics, and biology. This may lead to a decline in the number of breakthroughs and innovations in these fields, ultimately affecting the global economy and human well-being.
Forecast for 5 years: The long-term effects of the funding cuts will be severe, leading to a significant decline in the US’s global scientific reputation. This may result in a brain drain, as top researchers and scientists seek opportunities in other countries with more favorable funding environments.
Forecast for 10 years: The US may struggle to recover from the damage caused by the funding cuts, potentially leading to a decline in its economic competitiveness and global influence. This may also result in a loss of talent and expertise, making it challenging for the US to address pressing global challenges such as climate change and pandemics.
