The Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board, which has more than 20 members, two fired board members said Monday, in a sweeping move that could reshape federal science policy.
As per Reuters, the independent board was established in 1950 to guide the governance of the National Science Foundation and to advise the president and the Congress on policies about science and engineering; it included over 20 members appointed for six-year terms.
What is the National Science Board?
The National Science Board (NSB) is the governing and policy oversight body of the National Science Foundation (NSF), which is the main U.S. federal agency supporting research and education in science and engineering. The NSB was established in 1950 under the National Science Foundation Act to guide national science policy and ensure the long-term development of scientific research in the United States.
The board consists of about 24 to 25 members, including leading scientists, engineers, and experts from universities, industry, and public service. These members are appointed by the president of the United States and serve staggered six-year terms, which helps maintain continuity across different administrations.
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The NSB has two primary roles. First, it provides strategic direction and oversight for the NSF, including approval of major policies, research priorities, and long-term funding frameworks. Second, it serves as an independent advisory body to the President and Congress on matters related to science, engineering, and education policy.
One of its most important contributions is producing the biennial “Science and Engineering Indicators” report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of U.S. and global trends in research, innovation, education, and workforce development. This report is widely used in policymaking and economic planning.
The NSB plays a central role in shaping U.S. science strategy, ensuring that federal investments in research remain effective, competitive, and aligned with national priorities.
As per Reuters, board members were told on Friday they were being ousted effective immediately, members Yolanda Gil and Keivan Stassun, said in emailed statements.
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“Yes, all 22 current members of the National Science Board were terminated on Friday effective immediately. No reason was given,” Gil, who works at the Information Sciences Institute of the University of Southern California, said.
Gil told Reuters that the majority of the board members were academics. It also had representation from national labs, non-profits and the industry.
“Seeing similar actions by the Administration across the federal government and especially with regards to scientific research, it seemed only a matter of time,” Stassun, who works at Vanderbilt University, said.
This development raises broader questions about how scientific governance is structured and how independent advisory systems function within government decision-making. Bodies like the National Science Board are designed to provide continuity, expert judgment, and long-term perspective in areas where research, innovation, and national policy intersect. When such institutions experience abrupt changes in membership, it can affect how consistently scientific priorities are developed and communicated over time.