In brief
At a recent conference in Boston, scientists expressed their concerns over severe funding cuts and layoffs, urging for solidarity and strategic responses to safeguard research.
At the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston, scientists unwrapped their worries amid looming funding cuts and layoffs instigated by the Trump administration. "Angst and anxiety and, to a certain extent, grief," described Sudip Parikh, the association leader, reflecting the overall mood as news of government layoffs echoed throughout the conference. The conference wouldn’t just focus on critical global issues like toxic chemicals and artificial intelligence, but also on the devastating effects of decreased federal funding for research, which is crucial for universities across the nation. Many attendees, like Roger Wakimoto from UCLA, noted, “It’s like we’re getting hit from all sides,” as they felt the pressure of potential deportations affecting undocumented students and crackdowns on diversity initiatives.As scientists strategized about their future, they found solace in their shared experience, emphasizing the need for collaboration and resilience in a challenging political climate. The meeting underscored a pivotal moment for the scientific community, as they seek to navigate these unprecedented funding disruptions.
