The American Political Science Association (APSA) is deeply concerned by the recent announcement that the National Science Foundation (NSF) will be undergoing an agency-wide restructuring plan, including the complete dissolution of the agency’s 37 research divisions, drastic reductions in the number of programs funded, and a reduction in force (RIF) of many of NSF’s senior staff. The news of this reorganization takes place during a time of unprecedented instability for NSF, as there have been many reported cases of awarded research grants being cancelled prematurely for being “not aligned with program goals or agency priorities” and an imposition of a 15 percent indirect cost cap on NSF grants to institutions of higher education, heightening the uncertainty of the availability of funds for researchers who rely upon federal grants. The proposed reorganization, indirect cost cap, and ongoing program cancellations have not been communicated in advance or in partnership with the broader scientific community and have taken place without any opportunity for external feedback.
This reorganization jeopardizes U.S. scientific advancement, innovation, and global leadership, and will leave lasting damage to the scientific community, including the political science community and the broader social sciences. The lack of transparency in these wide transformations of NSF raises serious concerns about the future of federally funded basic research, including concerns that some programs could become casualties in this reorganization, and slated for complete elimination. Cuts and restrictions on research will weaken the U.S.’ ability to invest in science and technology across all sectors and may lead to a loss of leadership in science on the international stage. APSA calls on the administration to reverse course on this reorganization of NSF, remove the indirect cost cap, reinstate cancelled grants, and to confer with the scientific community regarding any future initiatives aimed at improving the efficacy and quality of U.S. federally funded research.
Taeku Lee
APSA President
Susan Stokes
APSA President-Elect
Mark Warren
APSA Past President
Kimberly A. Mealy
APSA Executive Director