Dear Sigma Xi Members,
As we recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (NSF), a pillar of American scientific achievement, we now face an alarming challenge that could undermine the very foundation of our nation’s research enterprise. In March, I sent a letter to President Trump calling for his administration to provide a plan for the future of science in the United States. Although we have not received a formal response to this letter, the President’s FY2026 Budget Request provides insight into his vision. The budget request proposes a staggering 56% cut to NSF’s budget, reducing it from $8.8 billion to $3.9 billion. This includes directives to cancel active research grants, halt the initiation of new ones, and implement personnel reductions at the agency. These unprecedented cuts would jeopardize the United States’ ability to conduct basic research, support the next generation of scientists, and lead in global innovation. Further, these setbacks would undermine the president’s goal of ushering in the Golden Age of American Innovation.
Since its authorization in 1950 by President Truman, NSF has played an essential role in advancing science and improving lives. As highlighted by the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF), NSF-supported research has given rise to remarkable technological advancements including the internet, Google, and smartphones—technologies that define modern life. During times of crisis, NSF investments enabled cancer detection breakthroughs, the development of Doppler radar, and advances in earthquake resilience. From supporting fundamental discoveries to seeding transformative industries, NSF has continuously propelled American science and economic growth.
The proposed budget would dismantle programs that have long nurtured discovery and broadened participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Among the cuts are significant reductions to NSF’s Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which supports research in historically underfunded states. These changes threaten not only the integrity of American science but also the development of a strong domestic scientific workforce and broad geographic distribution of scientific resources.
While Sigma Xi continues to call on the administration to provide a plan for achieving its noble goals and offers its support to the administration in strengthening the research enterprise, we stand with our colleagues across the research enterprise in urging Congress to reject these harmful cuts and instead invest in NSF for the future. We encourage every member to take this moment to speak out—share your NSF story, highlight the value of federal research investment, and help protect a legacy that has empowered American innovation for three generations.
Please consider joining the #SaveNSF social media campaign beginning the week of May 12–16 and going forward. In the future weeks and months, we invite members to help raise awareness about these issues and promote investment in scientific research. Contact your elected representatives today to voice your support.
Use this suite of helpful tools to tell your story:
On social media, include hashtags like #SaveNSF, #NSF75, and #NSFfunded. Tag your members of Congress and let them know that NSF is not just a budget line, it’s a driver of discovery, prosperity, and national strength.
Let’s work together to ensure that NSF not only survives but thrives for the next 75 years.
Sincerely,
Jamie L. Vernon, PhD
Executive Director and CEO
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society