On April 24, the Trump administration took the shocking step of terminating all 22 members of the governing body of the US National Science Foundation (NSF), known as the National Science Board (NSB), resulting in considerable unease among the scientific community. This action was taken without any rationale and during a period of leadership vacancy at the NSF, following the unexpected resignation of Sethuraman Panchanathan in April 2025, which left the foundation without consistent leadership at a time of intense international scientific rivalry.
In reaction to this decision, 13 former NSF leaders and NSB chairs, representing both Democratic and Republican administrations, sent a letter to the White House science adviser and Senate leaders on April 30. They stressed the urgent need to restore full leadership and governance at the NSF, emphasizing the foundation’s crucial role in defending the nation against unforeseen scientific challenges. They implored the Senate to promptly fill the vacancy for the NSF director and called for the White House to quickly appoint a suitably qualified NSB.
The correspondence highlighted the significance of an NSB with extensive scientific knowledge to offer the new NSF director the essential expert and independent counsel, reinforcing the US’s commitment to remain at the forefront of global science and technology. The signatories included prominent former NSF figures like Ellen Ochoa and Diane Souvaine, while Panchanathan and France Córdova, previous directors under both the Obama and Trump administrations, notably refrained from endorsing the letter.
This situation has ignited a conversation regarding the condition of US scientific governance and the nation’s strategic standing in a highly competitive global scientific arena. It highlights the necessity for stable leadership and expert guidance in effectively shaping national scientific policy.