Recent federal funding cuts are creating a 'downward spiral' in U.S. science, leading to reduced public support, silenced scientists, halted critical research, and risking long-term loss of scientific leadership.

These cuts have resulted in the termination of important grants, such as the NIH grant for a bioengineering training program at Kennesaw State University, impacting students and research careers.

The U.S. has long been a global leader in scientific innovation, driven by federal funding that has supported breakthroughs across health, technology, and other fields.

Experts warn that the disruption could lead to a 'lost generation of research,' with delays in developing new scientists and a potential shift of scientific leadership to other countries, which could take decades to recover from.

Historically, during World War II, urgent national security needs prompted increased federal investment in sciences like aeronautics and nuclear physics, establishing a government-university partnership that shaped future research support.

Before World War II, federal investment in basic science was minimal, forcing many American scientists to travel to Europe for advanced research due to limited infrastructure and funding.

Current funding cuts also impact university infrastructure, as federal overhead payments that support buildings and staff are reduced, with policies capping these payments at 15%, though legal challenges have blocked this cap.

The financial strain extends beyond individual projects, as reduced overhead payments hinder the operational capacity of research institutions, further threatening scientific progress.

The Trump administration's policies led to a $783 million reduction in disease research funding, terminating projects including a Georgia State University grant focused on diabetes and obesity, with broader cuts targeting DEI-related programs.

Global competition from countries like Japan, Germany, and the former Soviet Union has diminished U.S. dominance in science and technology, as these nations heavily invest in maintaining economic and technological leadership.

Experts warn that without restoring federal research funding, the U.S. risks long-term economic and strategic disadvantages, jeopardizing its position as a global leader in science.

Nearly 10% of Georgia faculty reported their federal contracts were terminated due to flagged keywords related to DEI or COVID-19, discouraging researchers from applying for new grants and hampering scientific progress.

Critics argue that the Trump administration's simultaneous push for 'Gold Standard Science' and efforts to cut federal research funding reflect a troubling contradiction, undermining scientific integrity.