Science in Shambles: Researchers Share Their Struggles in 2025

Key Developments

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Operations Halted

• Ongoing studies and grant reviews disrupted.

• Executive Orders Issued
• Only two sexes recognized.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs ended.

• Public data and analysis tools on health disparities, climate change, and environmental justice removed.

• Federal Research Infrastructure Support Reduced
• Funding withheld for numerous universities.
• Billions in grants across disciplines, institutions, and states terminated.

• Ongoing studies forced to end prematurely.

• Federal Agencies Downsized or Dismantled
• NASA, EPA, NOAA, USAID affected.

Researcher Experiences

Carrie McDonough

• Role: Associate Professor of Chemistry
• Impact: $1.5 million EPA grant terminated.
• Project: Machine-learning techniques for rapid chemical safety assessment.
• Consequence: Disrupted pipeline for early-career scientists.

Cara Poland

• Role: Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
• Impact: 60% reduction in federal funding.
• Project: Trained 20,000 healthcare practitioners on addiction treatment.
• Consequence: Curriculum development halted; addiction-related deaths rising.

Brian G. Henning

• Role: Professor of Philosophy and Environmental Studies
• Impact: $19.9 million EPA grant rescinded.
• Project: Reduce pollution, increase climate resilience, address environmental justice.
• Consequence: Communities less equipped for extreme weather; job and investment losses.

Nathaniel M. Tran

• Role: Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Administration
• Impact: Project on LGBTQ+ older adults' access to care terminated.
• Project: Examined access to preventive services and home-based care.
• Consequence: CDC stopped processing and making LGBTQ+ demographic data public.

Researchers' Commitment

Despite setbacks, researchers continue their work, seeking new funding and persisting with fewer resources.