Dear INFORMS Members,
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is facing the most severe budget threat in its history.
The Administration's FY 2026 budget proposal would slash NSF's funding by 56.9%, from $9.06 billion to just $3.903 billion. This isn't just a proposed budget cut-it's a dismantling of American science as we know it.
Here's what's at stake:
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- Competitive research awards would fall from 9,600 to just 2,300.
- Research grants would drop from 7,300 to 1,700.
- The number of individuals supported by NSF would plummet from over 330,000 to 90,000.
- Programs that support early-career researchers – like the NSF CAREER program – would receive no funding at all.
These cuts would halt countless projects in their tracks, drive young talent away from scientific careers, and jeopardize the United States' standing as a global leader in innovation. If we fail to act, the effects will be felt for generations.
Your voice is urgently needed
INFORMS has launched a new Advocacy Toolkit to make it easy for you to take action. The toolkit provides a wide range of information and guidance for engaging with both policymakers and the media.
Access the Advocacy Toolkit here:
While the toolkit includes general resources to help you be an advocate, here's a sample message you can personalize and send directly to your U.S. Senators and Representative about the proposed NSF budget.
* Remember, you don't need to be a policy expert to speak out – just someone who cares about the future of science.
Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],
I'm writing as your constituent and as someone deeply invested in the future of American science and innovation. The proposed FY 2026 budget for the National Science Foundation (NSF) would reduce funding by nearly 57% -- from $9.06 billion to $3.9 billion -- severely undermining the scientific research ecosystem that drives the United States economy, national security, and global leadership.
Further, this proposed budget would sharply reduce the number of research awards and grants, eliminate entire programs like the NSF CAREER initiative, and drastically limit opportunities for students, faculty, and institutions across the country. Over 240,000 researchers, educators, and students would lose access to NSF support.
NSF funds the kind of high-impact, real-world research that solves problems and powers progress. I urge you to oppose these cuts and support strong, sustained investment in scientific research. Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to America's scientific future.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Affiliation (Optional)]
[Your City, State]
* You can find contact information for your U.S. Senators and Member of Congress at
Speak up. Science depends on it.
We encourage you to get involved to help safeguard the future of scientific research and the vital role NSF plays in advancing knowledge, solving national challenges, and strengthening our economy.
Thank you for your commitment to this critical cause. Please feel free to contact me at jcohen@informs.org if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jeff Cohen
P.S. If you take action, please let me know by emailing jcohen@informs.org. Every message strengthens our collective voice.
P.P.S. If your NSF-funded research has been impacted – or is at risk due to this budget proposal – we'd appreciate hearing your story. Your experience helps us illustrate what's truly at stake. You can also share that with me at jcohen@informs.org.
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Jeffrey M. Cohen, MBA
Chief Strategy Officer
INFORMS
jcohen@informs.orglinkedin.com/in/jmcsc
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