TL/DR –
The US government shutdown is impacting multiple aspects of US scientific research. Funding has been cut for clean-energy research and public health workers have been laid off, while the operation of some federally funded museums and laboratories has been paused. Additionally, the processing of grant applications by agencies such as the National Science Foundation has been suspended due to the shutdown.
Impact of US Government Shutdown on Science
The ongoing US government shutdown is significantly affecting US science. The Trump administration has halted funding for clean-energy research and laid off public-health employees. Furthermore, operations at federally funded museums and laboratories have been suspended along with the processing of grant applications by agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Funding for the US government ceased on 1 October due to a failure to pass a spending bill by the Congress. Negotiations to resolve this impasse have not seen much progress, and the deadlock continues to deepen the cuts, as unpacked by Vice President JD Vance.
Staff Reductions
The Trump administration announced on Friday that it would lay off 4,100- 4,200 federal employees. This action, known officially as a reduction in force (RIF), is an unprecedented measure during a shutdown. Federal workers’ unions have filed suit over the layoffs.
Healthcare Sector Hit
Approximately 1,300 staff members of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received RIF notices, affecting the nation’s ability to respond to health emergencies. Layoffs at the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) have stirred particular concern among epidemiologists.
Some CDC employees have faced layoffs twice this year, severely hampering data collection and public health response capabilities. Future increases in maternal or infant deaths may go undetected due to the lack of data collection, warns statistician Isaac Michael.
Continued Downsizing
The US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy (DoE) will also experience staff reductions. The DoE spokesperson justified the layoffs, stating, “These offices are being realigned to reflect the Trump administration’s commitment to affordable, reliable, and secure energy for the American people.”
Funding Cuts
Alongside the shutdown, the Trump administration has announced additional cuts to research projects. On the second day of the shutdown, the DoE announced a nearly US$7.6 billion reduction in funding for 223 energy projects, many of which support renewable energy.
—
Read More US Political News