Science
A USDA cow scientist won an award for helping dairy farmers produce more milk. He’s worried about the future of government research under Trump
The Partnership for Public Service, which runs an annual awards program for federal employees, recognized fewer civil servants this year as a result of fewer agencies participating.
‘Highly problematic for a thousand reasons’: NIH employees criticize Trump-era requirement to scrutinize grants with words related to diversity
One staffer said that officials are employing more systematic methods to pinpoint NIH-funded research that the administration may object to, but that the additional reviews are time-consuming and lack transparency.
Report: Nearly 95k science employees left government as Trump downsized agency workforces
The Trump administration also has cut spending on science contracts and grants.
A pandemic-era NSF internship pilot may have done more than fill a temporary gap
The remote program may have helped students who could not take part in person and offers lessons for how internships could work going forward.
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Virginia lawmakers glad National Science Foundation headquarters to remain in state
The General Services Administration announcement about NSF's new building did not address when the Housing and Urban Development Department would move into the science agency's current headquarters.
CDC employees given 2 weeks to return to headquarters following recent shooting
Agency officials said that security has been heightened at the CDC’s Atlanta campus.
Watchdog warns that shortages in aviation meteorologists could endanger flight safety
While the Federal Aviation Administration and National Weather Service are negotiating an interagency agreement that will likely further reduce the meteorology workforce, the Government Accountability Office said officials haven’t appropriately considered the risks of current staffing levels.
‘The neutrality of the agency has been eliminated’: Stats-based feds decry BLS chief’s firing
Employees express concern Trump's firing of the commissioner, which followed a weak jobs report, will lead to future interference with their work.
NSF slashes most career executive roles after shedding one-third of staff
The National Science Foundation is initiating a reduction in force for senior executives, but offering them opportunities to stay at the agency.
Former federal science leaders warn Trump proposals could cripple U.S. research
Experts decried potential rescissions of funding for science agencies as well as cuts to government researchers and grants.
Union calls for reinstatement of EPA workers suspended over letter
More than 130 EPA workers were put on administrative leave over their signature of a letter that criticized Administrator Lee Zeldin’s direction for the agency.
Trump’s science order faces scrutiny from scientists and lawmakers
Critics are raising alarms over the Restoring Gold Standard Science executive order, saying the updated guidelines could weaken safeguards meant to keep politics out of federal research.
Virginia lawmakers demand answers on Trump’s planned ‘displacement’ of NSF
The lack of an announced successor space for the National Science Foundation and accusations of largesse to the Housing and Urban Development secretary have swirled since the proposal was unveiled last week.
OSC recommends bonuses for whistleblowers at Maryland USDA facility
The reallocation of $50 million to upgrade a dilapidated federal research facility would not have been possible without the rights afforded workers through collective bargaining, union leaders argued.
HUD to move into the National Science Foundation headquarters, no current plan on where to relocate NSF employees
The Department of Housing and Urban Development had previously announced its intention to sell its current headquarters, which requires more than $500 million in maintenance repairs.
Georgetown leverages ex-fed tech experts with new fellowship program
Tech policy experts and U.S. Digital Service alums will join an inaugural program that aims to advance civic technology, while offering experience and insights to public service-focused students.
DOGE reorganization of nuclear regulator prompts concerns about the agency’s continued focus on safety
President Donald Trump wants the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to lay off workers, while the agency has fallen short of its recruitment goals in recent years and struggled to replenish its aging workforce.
NIH director bemoans RIFs, mocks ‘5 things’ email and says agency shoulders blame for COVID outbreak in first address
New agency head also says some laid off employees may be recalled, including to help address supply shortages at labs and medical centers.
NOAA terminates space, climate and marine life advisory committees
Experts caution the groups play a key role in ensuring agencies use the best available science in their decision making.
168 employees fired at the National Science Foundation
“Panch has been conveniently absent throughout this whole time,” said an internal email an NSF worker sent to fellow colleagues, referring to Sethuraman Panchanathan, NSF’s director.
Advanced health research agency needs a strategic workforce plan, watchdog says
The GAO report also found ARPA-H, as of July 1, 2024, has not hired any scientists who are Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander or two or more races.
