US Proposes Rules That Could Make Scientists' Work Much Harder
New OMB regulations may undermine peer review and international collaboration, while NSF shifts funding toward private sector.
The US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a proposed rule in May that would overhaul the Code of Federal Regulations governing grants and federal financial assistance. The changes weaken the decades-old scientific peer review system and codify oversight of grant decisions by political appointees. Grants must be evaluated to see if they advance the president's policy priorities. The proposed rule also prohibits using funds for bilateral or multilateral collaboration with covered foreign countries or entities, potentially creating major obstacles for joint projects between US and Chinese scientists on cancer, environmental health, or new technologies.
Professional scientific associations, including the American Astronomical Society, have stated that the rule "would cause significant harm to the scientific community, research institutions, and professional societies." They urge scientists and the public to submit comments opposing the proposal by July 14.
At the same time, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is cutting budgets for basic science research and redirecting money to a new $1.5 billion initiative called "X-Labs," which aims to support new products and technologies from outside traditional institutions. The initiative's name and language, previously called "Tech Labs," point toward private company involvement and a move away from universities and basic science organizations.
Critics warn that diverting scarce research resources to private companies, which are motivated by profit rather than public good, could lead to research that is not democratically accountable and primarily serves shareholder interests.
