The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is deeply troubled by the Administration’s decision to dismiss all members of the National Science Board (NSB). This unprecedented action bypasses the critical guardrails established by Congress to ensure that federal scientific research remains independent and free from political influence.
The NSB is the governing body of the National Science Foundation (NSF), an agency that serves as the backbone of the American scientific enterprise. For decades, the NSB has functioned as an independent body of experts, with members serving staggered, six-year terms. This structure was intentionally designed to insulate the nation’s scientific priorities from the shifts of political cycles, ensuring that American innovation is guided by merit, evidence, and long-term strategic vision.
This dismissal is compounded by the fact that NSF has been without a Senate-confirmed Director for more than a year. The simultaneous absence of a permanent Director and the sudden dissolution of the Board leaves the nation’s premier science agency without the critical leadership necessary to oversee its strategic mission.
This decision threatens to erode public trust in federal science and jeopardizes the United States’ standing as a global leader in science and technology. At a time of intensifying international competition, the U.S. must maintain the leadership and stability of its premier science agency. Restoring independent, expert-led governance is essential to ensuring the American scientific enterprise continues to drive national prosperity, health, and security.
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