Federal funding of university research in the USA through agencies such as NSF, NIH, CDC, NASA, and DOE has led to technological innovation and the creation of startup companies. These developments contribute to economic growth and U.S. global competitiveness. Reductions in this funding reduce the capacity for innovation and technology development. Sustained support for these agencies is essential to maintaining the innovation pipeline that strengthens U.S. leadership, culture, and economic vitality.
The U.S. President’s Budget Request for 2026 is expected to be released in May 2025. If the United States Congress agrees to enact this proposal as is, it would significantly reduce funding for scientific research and infrastructure. This would mark a major reversal of nearly eight decades of progress, leading to the downsizing or closure of research facilities that drive advancements in medicine, climate, energy, space, technology, education and more. Rebuilding this infrastructure and restoring the lost human expertise could take decades.
