NSF slashes workforce by 35% amid budget cuts and leadership shakeup
The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has cut its workforce by 35% over the past year. Most reductions came from temporary staff and voluntary departures, leaving the agency with a leaner structure. Meanwhile, leadership changes and budget pressures are reshaping how the organisation operates.
The NSF once had one executive for every 17 nonexecutives. That ratio has now flipped to one executive per 23 staff members, reflecting a push for fewer management layers. The agency also prioritised retaining employees working on core areas like AI and quantum technology during the downsizing.
Former director Sethuraman Panchanathan resigned in April, leaving the NSF without a permanent leader. President Trump recently nominated Jim O'Neill for the role, following his departure from the CDC earlier this month. The nomination comes as the agency faces ongoing scrutiny over layoffs and grant terminations.
Budget pressures have also played a role in the changes. Trump initially proposed slashing $5.2 billion from the NSF's funding, but Congress approved a smaller cut of $310 million for fiscal year 2026. Despite the reduction, the agency is moving forward with plans to streamline its grant process.
Acting director Brian Stone announced that the NSF will consolidate grant solicitations to half or fewer than usual. The agency also plans to use technology to route proposals more efficiently. However, researchers have raised concerns that fewer funding opportunities could limit their access to support.
The NSF now operates with a flatter structure and a smaller workforce. Grant solicitations will be broader but less frequent, with technology playing a bigger role in reviews. The agency's future direction will depend on its new leadership and how it manages ongoing budget constraints.
