'This year nearly broke me as a scientist' - US researchers reflect on how 2025's science cuts have changed their lives

[marmar]

‘This year nearly broke me as a scientist’ – US researchers reflect on how 2025’s science cuts have changed their lives
Published: December 18, 2025 8:23am EST

Carrie McDonough
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University
Brian G. Henning
Professor of Philosophy and Environmental Studies and Sciences, Gonzaga University
Cara Poland
Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University
Nathaniel M. Tran
Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois Chicago
Rachael Sirianni
Professor of Neurological Surgery, UMass Chan Medical School
Stephanie J. Nawyn
Associate Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of the Center for Gender in Global Context, Michigan State University


(The Conversation) Pipeline of new scientists cut off
Carrie McDonough, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University

People are exposed to thousands of synthetic chemicals every day, but the health risks those chemicals pose are poorly understood. I was a co-investigator on a US$1.5 million grant from the EPA to develop machine-learning techniques for rapid chemical safety assessment. My lab was two months into our project when it was terminated in May because it no longer aligned with agency priorities, despite the administration’s Make America Healthy Again report specifically highlighting using AI to rapidly assess childhood chemical exposures as a focus area.

Labs like mine are usually pipelines for early-career scientists to enter federal research labs, but the uncertain future of federal research agencies has disrupted this process. I’m seeing recent graduates lose federal jobs, and countless opportunities disappear. Students who would have been the next generation of scientists helping to shape environmental regulations to protect Americans have had their careers altered forever.

....(snip)....

Communities left to brave extreme weather alone
Brian G. Henning, Professor of Philosophy and Environmental Studies and Sciences, Gonzaga University

In 2021, a heat dome settled over the Northwest, shattering temperature records and claiming lives. Since that devastating summer, my team and I have been working with the City of Spokane to prepare for the climate challenges ahead.

We and the city were awarded a $19.9 million grant from the EPA to support projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience and build capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. .......................(more)

https://theconversation.com/this-year-nearly-broke-me-as-a-scientist-us-researchers-reflect-on-how-2025s-science-cuts-have-changed-their-lives-271282