Duck and Cover While U.S. Scientific Leadership Evaporates

The previously unquestioned American leadership in science is evaporating. Groundbreaking medical research is stopping abruptly. Research institutes at NIH are disappearing. As this unfolds, the response of many people in supposed roles of scientific leadership has been to duck and take cover. Tell us when it’s over and we can get back to work.

Yes, this is a challenging situation. The correct response is not obvious. But passivity seems like an obvious mistake.

Closing the Entrances as People Head for the Exits

The essential ingredients for scientific excellence are curiosity, rigor, and the free exchange of ideas. Clearly, the free exchange of ideas is not really possible in an environment where research programs undergo review for banned words like bias, gender, and disparity – to mark them for cancellation.

Immigration policy comes into play as well because scientists from outside the U.S. are canceling plans to come to the U.S. for conferences and scientific collaborations, fearing harsh treatment or being turned away.

Not only is the flow of innovative thinking into the U.S. coming to a halt, there are also signs of a brain drain as the smartest scientists look for a more innovative climate outside America.

Defunding Science, Canceling Curiosity

The cuts to science funding are drastic and broad. Two-thirds of the institutes and research centers at the NIH will be gone under the proposed budget working its way through Congress. At CDC, the plan is to dismantle the center for chronic disease prevention. The list of devastating cuts to funding for research in health and medicine is long.

Responding Carefully, But Responding Nonetheless

In the midst of this unfolding disaster, too many people in positions of scientific leadership have elected to zip their lips. John Timmer described a vivid example for Ars Technica, saying that leadership at the National Academies is staying silent on the present challenges while talking about the future of science.

We grant that this administration presents a dilemma by threatening retribution for anyone who disagrees with it. But acquiescence is not a strategy that will save us from a disaster in scientific and medical research. We should not resign ourselves to giving up on America’s greatness in science. We must speak up.

For more on the devastation this administration is bringing to scientific research, click here and here.

Duck and Cover, photograph by Walter Albertin / Wikimedia Commons

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June 15, 2025