News
August 31, 2025
Two Thousand Of America’s Top Scientists Warn Congress: Don’t Gut Research Funding
Open letter from 2,100+ National Academy members warns Congress of dire consequences from FY26 science budget cuts; organizers seek response.
**Two Thousand Of America’s Top Scientists Warn Congress: Don’t Gut Research Funding**
A powerful coalition of over two thousand of America’s most distinguished scientists, all members of the prestigious National Academy, has issued a stark warning to Congress regarding proposed cuts to the science budget for the 2026 fiscal year (FY26). In an open letter, these leading researchers express grave concerns that slashing research funding will have dire consequences for the nation's future.
The letter, signed by 2,100+ members of the National Academy, paints a picture of a nation whose scientific prowess and global competitiveness could be severely undermined by shortsighted budgetary decisions. The scientists argue that investing in research is not merely an expenditure, but a crucial investment in innovation, economic growth, and national security.
The National Academy comprises the nation's top scholars, elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to research. The signatories represent a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, from physics and chemistry to biology and medicine, underscoring the widespread concern across the scientific community.
The letter highlights that funding cuts would jeopardize ongoing research projects, stifle the development of new technologies, and discourage young scientists from pursuing careers in crucial fields. This, they argue, would have a ripple effect, impacting everything from healthcare advancements and clean energy solutions to our understanding of the universe and our ability to address pressing global challenges.
Organizers of the open letter campaign are actively seeking a response from members of Congress, hoping to engage in a constructive dialogue about the importance of sustained and robust research funding. They aim to impress upon lawmakers the critical role that scientific research plays in securing America's future prosperity and leadership in the world. The scientists believe that a well-funded research enterprise is essential for driving innovation, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for all Americans. They hope their collective voice will resonate with Congress and lead to a reconsideration of the proposed budget cuts. The future of American science, they contend, hangs in the balance.
A powerful coalition of over two thousand of America’s most distinguished scientists, all members of the prestigious National Academy, has issued a stark warning to Congress regarding proposed cuts to the science budget for the 2026 fiscal year (FY26). In an open letter, these leading researchers express grave concerns that slashing research funding will have dire consequences for the nation's future.
The letter, signed by 2,100+ members of the National Academy, paints a picture of a nation whose scientific prowess and global competitiveness could be severely undermined by shortsighted budgetary decisions. The scientists argue that investing in research is not merely an expenditure, but a crucial investment in innovation, economic growth, and national security.
The National Academy comprises the nation's top scholars, elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to research. The signatories represent a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, from physics and chemistry to biology and medicine, underscoring the widespread concern across the scientific community.
The letter highlights that funding cuts would jeopardize ongoing research projects, stifle the development of new technologies, and discourage young scientists from pursuing careers in crucial fields. This, they argue, would have a ripple effect, impacting everything from healthcare advancements and clean energy solutions to our understanding of the universe and our ability to address pressing global challenges.
Organizers of the open letter campaign are actively seeking a response from members of Congress, hoping to engage in a constructive dialogue about the importance of sustained and robust research funding. They aim to impress upon lawmakers the critical role that scientific research plays in securing America's future prosperity and leadership in the world. The scientists believe that a well-funded research enterprise is essential for driving innovation, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for all Americans. They hope their collective voice will resonate with Congress and lead to a reconsideration of the proposed budget cuts. The future of American science, they contend, hangs in the balance.
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Technology