The number of new grants awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) has fallen by nearly 50% since President Donald Trump took office, according to an analysis by ScienceInsider, the online policy news site for Science Magazine. This decline translates to a reduction of more than $400 million in research funding.
The analysis, conducted by David I. Miller, a research psychologist specialising in STEM education, examined publicly available NSF data comparing grant awards from the first two months of Trump’s presidency to the same period in 2024.
Between Trump’s inauguration and March 27, NSF issued 919 new grants, significantly lower than the 1,707 awarded during the same period the previous year as reported by Forbes. This year’s grants totaled $312 million in obligated funding, a stark contrast to the $761 million allocated in 2024, Forbes report suggested.
Steep cuts in key research fields
The reductions were especially pronounced in certain NSF directorates, which oversee various scientific disciplines. The data cited here has been reported by Forbes.
- Education: Only 12 new grants were awarded between January 21 and March 27, compared to 120 in the same timeframe in 2024—a decline of $56 million in obligated funding.
- Engineering: This directorate issued 63 grants, down from 351 in the previous year, reducing funding by $113 million.
- Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships: New grants fell from 174 to 83, with obligated funding plummeting to $19 million—just one-tenth of last year’s amount.
By contrast, some directorates appeared to fare better. For instance, NSF’s geosciences directorate obligated $52 million more than the same period last year, while the math and physical sciences directorate increased funding from $98 million to $138 million.
Impact on students and early-career researchers
The sharp decline in NSF grants is having a direct impact on students, particularly those engaged in research at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many rely on NSF-funded projects for financial support, mentorship, and hands-on experience in cutting-edge studies. With fewer grants available, research assistantships are dwindling, leaving students with limited opportunities to participate in crucial laboratory and fieldwork.
The funding shortfall also affects undergraduate students who depend on NSF-sponsored programs for summer internships, fellowships, and scholarships. As a result, the reduction in grants not only slows scientific progress but also restricts career pathways for aspiring researchers, potentially diminishing the pipeline of future scientists and innovators in the U.S.
Misleading claims on funding stability
Despite the sharp decline, NSF officials have portrayed a more optimistic picture. In a March 11 letter, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan stated that the agency had allocated 95% of its funding compared to the same time last year. However, ScienceInsider pointed out that this figure includes funds awarded since the start of the federal fiscal year on October 1—when President Joe Biden was still in office.
Furthermore, the reported funding totals include “postaward actions,” which represent additional funding for previously approved grants rather than new research awards.
A broader shift in science funding
While recent media coverage has focused on budget cuts at the National Institutes of Health, the impact of the Trump administration’s withdrawal of research support extends beyond NSF. Similar reductions have been seen across the Department of Defense, Department of Education, and Department of Energy.
Since its founding in 1950, the NSF has played a crucial role in advancing basic scientific research in the United States. The recent decline in funding raises concerns about the future of American innovation and the country’s position as a global leader in science.