By Kritika Agarwal
A coalition of more than 140 universities, businesses, scientific societies, and professional organizations, including AAU, urged Congress last week to restore funding for the National Science Foundation to FY23 levels and to reverse cuts that occurred to the agency’s budget in FY24 and FY26.
For 75 years, the NSF has been a major source of federal funding for groundbreaking science and engineering research across the country. The agency stands out for backing basic, curiosity-driven scientific research that leads to new ideas and discoveries.
In its letter, the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) urged the leaders of the House and Senate Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittees to provide at least $9.9 billion for NSF in FY27. “This will ensure that NSF’s research, infrastructure, education, and translation focus areas move forward,” the coalition noted.
NSF-funded research has resulted in innovations that have, in turn, resulted in incalculable economic benefits for all Americans. For example, NSF-funded research contributed to the development of the internet and early web browsers, MRI and laser eye surgery, smartphone components such as touchscreens and lithium-ion batteries, and more. The agency’s current investments in research on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, semiconductors, robotics, and fusion energy are helping America compete against China and continue to lead globally.
The agency has also played a vital role in building America’s STEM workforce. “In 2024 alone, NSF supported the training of tens of thousands of PhDs and postdoctoral researchers across all scientific fields, while also reaching more than 40,000 teachers and 120,000 K-12 students across the U.S.,” CNSF noted in its letter, adding: “NSF also drives the education of advanced technical workers at more than 150 community colleges nationwide and works closely with industry and other partners on targeted training programs to meet labor market needs.”
As AI and advanced technologies reshape the economy, the NSF’s activities in building a skilled workforce by funding cutting-edge research, STEM education, and training programs are even more critical.
Despite the significant role it plays in the U.S. innovation system, last year, the Trump administration proposed cutting the NSF’s budget by more than half. Thankfully, Congress rejected the administration’s proposals and provided $8.75 billion for the agency in FY26 – a 3% cut from the previous year.
Nevertheless, funding for the agency “lags far behind the amount necessary to truly meet our national competitiveness needs and reach a golden age of American science,” the coalition told lawmakers. “We encourage you to prioritize investments in NSF during the FY 2027 appropriations process by appropriating no less than $9.9 billion to protect U.S. science leadership, advance key emerging technology areas, strengthen NSF research infrastructure, and invest in the workforce of tomorrow to secure our competitiveness and security.”
Kritika Agarwal is assistant vice president for communications at AAU.