Annus Horribilis—Challenging the Attacks on Science and Funding in the USA

Abstract

Since the inauguration in January 2025, the new administration in the USA has continually attacked science and scientists, an onslaught with devastating consequences. Initially these efforts were squarely focused on academia with cuts to grant overheads, then proposed budget cuts to the NIH, quickly followed by more mass firings in the public sector and impacts on small companies and not-for-profits. The ripple effect of intended consequences has impacted grant reviews, dramatically slowed funding, and set back research by years. As a scientist and small company CEO impacted by these almost weekly events for months on end, it is important to put them together in an effort to plan a response. What follows is a summary of these major events and my contemporaneous thoughts. I believe it is important that we preserve a historical record, if for no other reason that one day we can hold those responsible accountable for their actions. If we combine our voices from academia and industry, we will be in a stronger defensive position because the future health of our families and the economic health of the nation is at stake.