US science leaders reveal priorities, while some head for exits

posted on May 5, 2025
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There was significant news from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy last week, as well as from nominated and incumbent science agency leaders. Here’s a roundup:

  • OSTP Director Michael Kratsios outlined the Administration’s priorities in his first significant speech since being confirmed. He called for an America First science agenda and protection of “intellectual capital.” He also sketched a more creative grant regime and called for deregulation.
  • National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan abruptly resigned on April 24, more than a year before the end of his term. Initially appointed in President Trump’s first term, he recently oversaw significant cuts in staff and funding (see also next item).
  • Nominees for top positions in DOE and NASA testified before Congress, laying out the Administration’s priorities. Additional science positions have been nominated, and are expected to testify in the coming weeks.

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