Union of Concerned Scientists:

Hurricane Musk: How to Think About—and Oppose—the Obliteration of the U.S. Scientific Infrastructure

Hurricane Musk: How to Think About—and Oppose—the Obliteration of the U.S. Scientific Infrastructure

“The U.S. is in the midst of a widespread, unmitigated disaster. Like a hurricane that destroys all in its path, Musk and DOGE are decimating the people, places, policies, and programs that have made the U.S. a scientific superpower.  The threat is not just to the groundbreaking science that informs U.S. public policy. The threat is facing anyone wanting a clean ocean for their kids to play in, effective and inspiring education, well-paying job opportunities, or the best chance to combat cancer.”

“Here are four priorities that need to guide our efforts toward strengthening scientific progress and accelerating recovery.

1. Embracing collaboration: At the heart of disaster recovery lies a cultural shift, one that embraces collaboration and integration across disciplines, sectors, and borders. The challenges we face—whether combating disease, addressing climate change, or advancing energy security—are inherently complex and demand systems thinking.
2. Protecting scientific integrity: Safeguarding the independence of federal science agencies is paramount. Establishing laws and policies that insulate scientific decision-making from political interference will rebuild public trust. Additionally, ensuring robust support for independent scientific advisory committees will bolster accountability and counter disinformation.
3. Prioritizing equity in science: A resilient forest depends on the diversity of its ecosystem, and the same is true for the scientific community. Recovery efforts must address longstanding inequities in access to scientific opportunities. Expanding support for historically underserved communities—through scholarships, training programs, and partnerships—will cultivate a more inclusive and diverse research ecosystem that enables us to tackle challenges with new perspectives and insights.
4. Investing in federal research and development: Federal science funding is the bedrock upon which the U.S. scientific enterprise stands. Cutting public science budgets is like removing the foundation stones of a bridge when people are mid-journey in their systematic discovery process. In real-world terms, this means canceling clinical trials and putting potentially life-saving research on hold.  Innovative solutions that ultimately benefit everyone will not be achieved with an unstable or diminished scientific infrastructure.”