Trump administration fires entire National Science Board

Trump administration ousts entire National Science Board without explanation, raising concerns over political interference in scientific governance. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Trump administration fires entire National Science Board

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The Trump administration abruptly dismissed all members of the National Science Board on April 24, effective immediately, according to statements from two board members who confirmed the mass firing. Yolanda Gil and Keivan Stassun, both members of the board, said in emailed statements that they were informed of their removal without any reason provided. The sudden ouster has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, as the board plays a critical role in overseeing the National Science Foundation (NSF), which funds billions of dollars in research annually. The National Science Board, composed of 24 members appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, serves as the governing body for the NSF, setting policies and approving major research grants. The board’s removal leaves a leadership vacuum at a time when the U.S. faces intense global competition in science and technology, particularly from China. Experts warn that the lack of a functioning board could delay funding decisions for thousands of research projects, potentially stalling progress in fields such as artificial intelligence, climate science, and biomedical research. The dismissals come amid a broader pattern of the Trump administration challenging scientific institutions and expertise. Critics argue that the move undermines the independence of scientific oversight, as the board is designed to operate with bipartisan input and shield research from political interference. No official explanation has been given for the firings, but some analysts speculate it may be part of an effort to reshape the NSF’s priorities, possibly emphasizing applied research over basic science. The White House and the NSF have not responded to requests for comment. Yolanda Gil, a computer scientist at the University of Southern California, and Keivan Stassun, an astronomer at Vanderbilt University, both expressed dismay over the lack of transparency. In her statement, Gil noted that the board had been working on initiatives to expand STEM education and improve diversity in research. Stassun described the firing as unprecedented and damaging to the trust between the scientific community and the federal...

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Categoria: cronaca