John Nelson Jr.: Science threatened

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Published: 07-07-2025 9:18 PM |
The Trump administration has been slashing funding for a broad array of “wasteful” government programs in the name of “efficiency.” Among the victims are funding for research grants. Science is probably “under the radar” for most people, but the irrational, destructive cuts are affecting the advancement of medicine, technology and environmental science; achievements we depend on which have been developed by private businesses applying basic research discoveries funded by taxpayer supported institutions, such as the National Institutes of Health.
The future of Science in America and its world leadership are also threatened by the firing of scientists. The elimination of support for the training of future scientists is especially troubling. It is already affecting students who were well on their way to becoming established. I understand this need very well, because, as a graduate student, I was supported by grants awarded to my teachers. The love of discovery and experience I acquired in the process, led me to a research and teaching career. It was also a valuable experience for the grad students in my department who went on to make important contributions to environmental science, genetics, and an understanding of the ecology of cholera.
These cuts will have negative economic repercussions in communities surrounding institutions that receive funding. Those institutions provide benefits, such as jobs creation and support for small businesses, especially important to rural communities. According to an article in the summer 2025 issue of American Scientist, every dollar spent generates two or more dollars of benefits.
John Nelson Jr.
Plainfield
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