NSF Cancels 73 Grants, Shuts Equity Division Amid Major Workforce Changes Under Trump Administration
On May 9, 2025, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the cancellation of 73 research grants, closure of its Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM, layoffs of 70 employees, and plans to cut 300 temporary positions. Remote employees must return to the Alexandria, Virginia headquarters by June 16. These changes are part of a restructuring under the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, aimed at reducing federal spending. The NSF's actions have prompted a lawsuit from 13 universities over funding changes.
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NSF Cancels 73 Grants, Shuts Equity Division Amid Major Workforce Changes Under Trump Administration
On May 9, 2025, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the cancellation of 73 research grants, closure of its Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM, layoffs of 70 employees, and plans to cut 300 temporary positions. Remote employees must return to the Alexandria, Virginia headquarters by June 16. These changes are part of a restructuring under the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, aimed at reducing federal spending. The NSF's actions have prompted a lawsuit from 13 universities over funding changes.
Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM Eliminated
The NSF’s Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM (EES), which had focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and engineering, was officially closed on May 9. The division’s webpage was removed from the NSF website the same day. According to archived content, the EES aimed to “remove barriers and support the full participation of underrepresented groups in science and engineering fields.”
A staff memo obtained by multiple outlets confirmed the division’s closure and stated that the agency would take steps to ensure statutory program obligations continue. The division had previously overseen programs designed to expand access to STEM education for underserved communities.
73 Additional Grants Canceled
The NSF also canceled 73 more research grants on May 9, marking the third wave of terminations in recent weeks. In total, over 1,400 projects valued at more than $1 billion have been halted, according to a public list maintained by researchers at rOpenSci and Harvard University. The cancellations follow an April 30 directive instructing staff to stop awarding new grants and pause supplemental awards.
While many of the canceled grants were labeled by DOGE as “wasteful DEI” funding, others focused on topics such as artificial intelligence and environmental science—areas that have been publicly identified as priorities by the Trump administration. The agency has stated that it is adjusting its priorities to eliminate awards “with more narrow impact limited to subgroups of people based on protected class or characteristics,” including those related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and misinformation.
Workforce Reductions and Restructuring
The NSF is undergoing a significant reduction in its workforce. In addition to the 70 permanent employees being laid off, the agency plans to eliminate approximately 300 temporary positions. These include participants in the Visiting Scientist, Engineer and Educator (VSEE) Program and “rotators” serving under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act.
An internal memo circulated by NSF’s Chief Management Officer, Micah Cheatham, outlined a reduction in force (RIF) targeting the agency’s Senior Executive Service (SES). The SES, which previously included 143 positions, will be reduced to 59. The memo also noted that layoff notices were being issued to affected staff.
These changes follow earlier workforce reductions in February, when the agency dismissed roughly 10% of its employees. The restructuring is part of a broader reorganization that includes the planned abolition of all 37 divisions across NSF’s eight directorates, which span disciplines from biological sciences to computer engineering.
Remote Work Policy Reversed
In another major shift, the NSF has ordered all remote employees to return to in-person work at its Alexandria, Virginia headquarters by June 16. Many of these employees have worked remotely for years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The return-to-office mandate is part of the agency’s broader operational overhaul.
Official Statement and Agency Mission
In a statement, an NSF spokesperson reaffirmed the agency’s mission: “The NSF’s mission is to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense. It is our priority to ensure all NSF awards aim to create opportunities for all Americans everywhere, without exclusion of any groups. NSF remains committed to reviewing and funding proposals that are aligned with the agency priorities.”
Leadership Changes and Legal Challenges
The recent changes come on the heels of the abrupt resignation of NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan in late April. Panchanathan, who was appointed during Trump’s first term, stepped down amid the wave of grant cancellations and internal restructuring.
Meanwhile, a coalition of 13 universities—including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, Brown University, and University of Pennsylvania—has filed a lawsuit against the administration over the sudden funding changes. The legal challenge also addresses a May 2 decision to limit reimbursements for indirect research costs, which institutions argue undermines their ability to support federally funded research.
Broader Context: Department of Government Efficiency
The NSF’s restructuring is part of a larger initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration project spearheaded by advisor Elon Musk. DOGE has been tasked with reducing federal spending and streamlining government operations. According to Musk, the initiative has already saved $165 billion, though earlier projections aimed for $2 trillion in cuts.
DOGE’s influence has extended across multiple federal agencies, resulting in the elimination of programs, mass layoffs, and the cancellation of federal grants and contracts. At the NSF, DOGE staff began appearing at headquarters in late April, shortly before the agency announced its new funding and staffing priorities.
