Scientists Speak Out as US Research Faces Sharp Cuts

Dr Sarah Chen spent three years developing her research on sudden infant death syndrome prevention at the National Institutes of Health. This week, she received notice that her grant funding would be terminated as part of sweeping federal research cuts. Rather than accept silence, she registered with Press Connect, a new system launched by Stand Up for Science that connects researchers with journalists willing to tell their stories.

Chen represents thousands of scientists caught in the crossfire of the Trump administration’s unprecedented assault on federal research funding. The cuts threaten programmes spanning cancer treatment, addiction research, climate protection and pandemic prevention – all areas where American leadership once seemed unassailable.

The Stand Up for Science rallies on 7 March brought over 50,000 people to 170 events worldwide, with a central demonstration of 2,000 participants at the Lincoln Memorial. The protests were largely organised by early-career scientists and graduate students responding to what they saw as an existential threat to American research.

Their concerns have proved well-founded. The administration’s 2026 budget proposal includes a 37% cut at NIH and over 50% at NSF, alongside significant reductions at EPA and USDA research programmes. These cuts represent a 50% reduction in scientific research funding that economists estimate would cost the average American $10,000 annually by reducing GDP by nearly 10%.

The March rallies have evolved into the Summer Fight for Science campaign, with Press Connect serving as its media outreach arm. The timing is critical: Congress faces a September budget vote that could cement these cuts or provide a pathway to restore funding.

Breaking the Silence Barrier

Press Connect addresses a longstanding challenge in science communication. The system maintains a database of over 100 scientists across the United States who are willing to speak with press members about the funding cuts. The platform collects detailed information including researchers’ affiliations, employment status, whether they’ve had funding terminated, their areas of expertise and whether they prefer anonymity.

According to Colette Delawalla, founder and executive director of Stand Up for Science, ‘We deeply understand the importance of platforming scientist’s stories in the press, and that finding scientists who are willing to speak with the press in the current political environment can be a challenge. To meet the moment, Stand Up for Science looks to be a liaison between these two parties.’

The security features built into Press Connect reflect the reality that many researchers fear professional retaliation for speaking out. The system allows for anonymous sources while still providing journalists with the credentials and expertise they need to write authoritative stories.

Personal Stakes Behind the Data

The human cost of these cuts extends beyond individual careers. Federal funding has been the backbone of American medical breakthroughs, contributing to a 33% drop in cancer deaths between 1991 and 2020 through National Cancer Institute research. Advances in targeted cancer therapies, HPV vaccination and addiction treatment all came from federally supported laboratories.

Current funding freezes are already forcing researchers to abandon ongoing projects. Foreign universities in Canada, France and the Netherlands have launched dedicated programmes to recruit displaced American scientists, offering the long-term funding stability that US institutions can no longer guarantee.

Recent cuts of $12 billion to health funding, including $11 billion from the CDC and $1 billion from SAMHSA, are already affecting mental health services, addiction treatment and infectious disease control. These programmes, dismissed as ‘surplus’ funding from the COVID-19 era, formed the backbone of America’s public health infrastructure.

The potential impact extends beyond healthcare. Climate research funding cuts could severely hamper America’s ability to develop clean energy solutions and adapt to environmental changes.

Why Media Coverage Matters Now

Public awareness of the stakes remains limited despite the scale of the cuts. Research shows significant gaps between scientists’ and public understanding of key scientific issues, exacerbated by scientists historically undervaluing public communication for career advancement.

Press Connect aims to bridge this gap at a crucial moment. Scientists face institutional barriers to public engagement, including lack of training and support, while viewing communication as essential for democratic decision-making on science-related challenges like climate change.

The system provides journalists with direct access to researchers who can explain not just what funding cuts mean in abstract terms, but how they affect real programmes that protect public health and drive economic growth. This approach mirrors successful fundraising strategies that connect donors with research impact.

How the Connection Works

Journalists can request Press Connect sources by emailing [email protected] with their ideal source qualifications – such as PhD level, grant cuts, specific geographic location – alongside an overview of their planned coverage. The organisation then facilitates connections while respecting researchers’ preferences for anonymity when needed.

Stand Up for Science leadership, including Delawalla, remains available to discuss the broader impact of budget cuts on Americans, the role of science in democratic societies, what’s at risk in the September budget vote and planned pro-science events across the nation.

September Showdown Ahead

The September budget vote represents a potential turning point for American research. Congressional negotiations remain uncertain amid political dynamics that include a Republican-controlled Congress and pressure for deep spending cuts across federal discretionary programmes.

Through Press Connect, the voices of affected researchers can reach beyond academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals to the broader public whose tax dollars fund scientific research. Whether these voices prove persuasive enough to reverse course will become clear when Congress returns from recess.

For researchers like Dr Chen, Press Connect represents more than a media tool – it’s a chance to ensure their work and their warnings don’t disappear into bureaucratic silence. With scientists already receiving recruitment offers from countries like China, the September vote may determine whether America retains its research workforce or exports it to competitors willing to invest in the future.