Research & Developments is a blog for brief updates to provide context for news regarding law and policy changes that impact science and scientists today. If you have a tip, email us at [email protected].
House Passes Megabill Slashing Environmental Protections
Early on 22 May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a massive GOP-backed bill that seeks to push forward President Trump’s domestic policy agenda. Within the bill’s 1082 pages are…
Government Will Reduce Access to COVID-19 Vaccine
Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that only adults older than 65 and people with specific medical conditions will be considered eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations…
Tracking Science Policy Across the U.S. Administration
The new administration has taken an array of decisive actions with far-reaching consequences for Earth and space scientists. Use our new tool to help sort them out.
EPA to Rescind Rules on Four Forever Chemicals
The EPA plans to reconsider drinking water limits for four different PFAS chemicals and extend deadlines for public water systems to comply, according to The Washington Post.
PFAS, or per-…
Trump Blocks Funding for EPA Science Division
The Trump administration has blocked funding for the EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD), the agency’s main science division.
NSF Plans to Abolish Divisions
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) plans to abolish dozens of divisions across all eight of its directorates and reduce the number of programs within those divisions, according to Science.
…
NOAA Halts Maintenance of Key Arctic Data at National Snow and Ice Data Center
The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) may no longer actively maintain or update some of its snow and ice data products after…
NIH Bans U.S. Scientists From Funding New International Partnerships
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s largest funder of biomedical research, announced a policy on 1 May banning scientists from directing its…
New U.S. Budget Proposal Slashes Billions in Funds for Science
President Trump’s proposed 2026 budget, released today, slashes non-defense discretionary spending by $163 billion, a 22.6% reduction from 2025.