CASC Condemns Mass Firing of Science Agency Employees, Urges Preservation of US Scientific Leadership
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2025 -- The Coalition for Academic Scientific Computation (CASC) stands with leading higher education and scientific organizations in expressing profound concern over the recent, indiscriminate termination of thousands of employees at key federal science agencies.
These actions jeopardize America’s longstanding position as a global leader in scientific research and innovation—achievements that have been made possible through consistent federal investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE), and other vital agencies.
America’s leadership in scientific development has been built on sustained funding for agencies like NIH, NSF, and DOE. These institutions fuel groundbreaking discoveries that save lives, promote economic growth, and ensure U.S. competitiveness on the world stage. The changes underway at NIH and NSF represent fundamental shifts in the American scientific support model, and their effects on scientific progress could resonate for decades.
The Trump administration has dismissed large numbers of probationary employees across the federal government, with the scientific workforce bearing the brunt. Reports indicate that more than 1,200 employees were let go from NIH, nearly 170 from NSF, and over 1,000 from the Department of Energy, in addition to dismissals at other agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey.
These sudden, sweeping cuts undermine the critical infrastructure that underpins American scientific progress, disrupting ongoing research vital to public health, national security, and technological innovation. Severing funding for projects, firing scientists and researchers, and reducing student opportunities will stifle innovation that contributes to a healthier, safer, and more productive society, while hindering our understanding of basic scientific phenomena.
CASC and its member institutions stand resolutely in support of NIH, NSF, and all federal science agencies that drive the nation’s research and development efforts. With over one hundred institutions dedicated to advancing computational science with the latest supercomputing and high-performance computing technologies, CASC believes these drastic changes will limit our ability to support innovation and discovery, with far-reaching consequences. The large-scale dismissal of highly trained professionals threatens America’s scientific, technological, and innovative leadership, especially at a time when international competition is intensifying.
“We strongly condemn this action, which undermines the foundation of American scientific leadership,” said Richard Knepper, chair of CASC. “The loss of so many dedicated professionals in such a short period creates immediate disruptions and long-term damage to the nation’s research enterprise. We urge Congress and the administration to take swift action to restore these critical positions and reaffirm the country’s commitment to scientific excellence.”
CASC calls on policymakers to recognize the indispensable role of federal scientists and to ensure that research agencies remain fully staffed and adequately supported. The future of U.S. innovation, economic growth, and global leadership depends on it.
For further information, please contact:
Kathryn Kelley
kelley@casc.org
202-670-5798
About CASC
The Coalition for Academic Scientific Computation (CASC) is a nonprofit organization representing over 105 member institutions, including some of the most innovative universities and research computing centers in the United States. For 35 years, CASC has advocated for advanced computing technologies to accelerate scientific discovery, enhance national competitiveness, strengthen global security, and support economic growth. More information is at http://casc.org.
Source: CASC
