I’m not sure what had me singing the song, first written by Ed Bruce and popularized by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings the other day. It only took a minute, though, before my brain substituted scientists for cowboys. And yes, I am blogging more frequently these days. I’d like to blame it on the fact that I no longer work that full-time job, but – yes – it’s more than that.

Russ and I both studied sciences through our undergraduate and graduate school educations. Many of our friends and colleagues have done the same. I recall, back when our daughter finished her undergraduate program in human physiology, her contemplating going on to get a PhD rather than heading into medicine. I listened as she debated the pros and cons; but was honestly relieved when she chose healthcare. Of course today it is stressful and worrisome to do either.

But if I had kids today wanting to be a physician or an astronomer or a biologist or a climate or public health scientist? What would I honestly say? Yes, I’d want my children to be able to study or work in what subject makes their brain tick, whether that be science or software engineering or to be a pipe fitter. Yet, those going into some fields now face an uphill battle. We all face a frightening game changer. I too have been surprised when talking to a few folks (yes, it appears to be the minority in my circle) who seem completely unaware or unconcerned about our threatening U.S. brain drain. And while there exist a number of scary events and movements at the moment; let’s concentrate on science for a few minutes.

Let’s look at the truth of the situation. What is actually happening “out there” in the world of science as we read our news about the cuts, or in some cases, decimation of federally funded programs. If your kid or grandkid shows an interest in science, here’s the reality unless we can protest and call and communicate our outrage and knowledge to change the tide.

1. On February 15, President Trump signed an executive order, cutting funds from the NIH to universities. These cuts impact medical research, public and occupational health and safety, healthcare and the economy and can lead to delays in finding cures, lost jobs and weakening of our place in the world. These cuts can lead to a “brain drain,” where researchers, both domestic and international, leave the U.S. for countries with more stable funding and opportunities. I have already seen solicitations on LinkedIn recruiting Americans to jobs all over the world. Grants funded by the National Science Foundation through May 21 decreased 51%. The 10 year average has gone from $2 billion to $989 million effective May 21, 2025. In addition to being fewer positions for all on the science journey, it too means the U.S. will be far less competitive in areas like computer science and engineering; physics and chemistry; climate science and weather forecasting; and materials and manufacturing innovations.

2. Censorship is happening at the federal level of already completed studies and work, especially that related to climate science, research related to diverse populations or people (think race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality) and vaccines and public health. For anyone truly trained in the principles of science – this is alarming and humiliating.

3. We are suffering a substantial loss of scientific positions within federal government and at institutions funded through federal grants (or partial federal grants), including individuals highly experienced and knowledgeable. This may mean younger and less experienced individuals will lose out on public and private sector jobs, as those laid off jump back in. Your kid or friend may have hoped for a big break that now is more likely to not come.

4. Websites and other forms of information owned and shared by the government have become less transparent. Previously understood principles and research are being removed. Gratefully, some warriors are working around the clock to attempt to track and maintain what we have spent time and dollars over the years to tease out.

5. International talent who have helped us learn new concepts, crack codes, or create that next cancer cure no longer feel welcomed and will instead lend their brains to China, Germany and the UK; or other countries they are recruited or feel welcomed.

6. Funding of graduate programs, summer internships, science camps, and all the rest will be reduced. Good luck, sadly, to those attempting to enter certain programs today. Early in 2025 many universities reduced or halted admissions for graduate students and postdocs due to funding uncertainties, leading to a reduction in the number of students accepted. Some universities even rescinded offers to admitted students. 

7. There is an increasing attitude of “anti-science” reflected policies in everything from environmental to medical to public health. This is encouraging an increasing number of Americans without any science background to jump on board with unproven recommendations or beliefs.

8. The suppression of scientific findings related to public health can have serious consequences, such as delayed interventions during health crises or the failure to address environmental threats. Lack of transparency in reporting and disease reporting, coupled with political influences, can hinder accurate assessments and preparedness efforts. For example, those in public health are particularly worried about our next infectious diseases (e.g., measles, bird flu). Deregulation of environmental regulations with less or no reliance on science and including increased support for fossil fuels, will have a direct negative impact on health for many.

Sadly, I am sure there is more but I’ll stop here. I wish I had more positive to share. I do offer HUGE shout outs to our science warriors trying to keep us moving ahead, or at least not backwards. An acquaintance told me to “get a life and move on” this week as I shared my worries about the current state of our government. To them I’d ask – hmm, really? I will keep learning the facts, writing and talking and protesting and calling and writing letters, and sharing what I know. As should you.

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