NASEM Hosts Third Annual State of the Science Address

On June 2, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) hosted the State of the Science Address, an annual review of the status of the U.S.’s research enterprise, science innovation, and global science leadership (see previous coverage). During her address, NASEM President Marcia McNutt reiterated a concern from her 2025 address—that the U.S. scientific research enterprise is weakening as American and international researchers pursue research opportunities outside of the U.S.

McNutt discussed the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) recently proposed rule titled Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (see COSSA’s coverage here). McNutt raised concerns that this rule would take decision-making away from scientists on issues such as:

1. What research receives funding;
2. What meetings scientists are allowed to attend;
3. If and where results can be published.

McNutt addressed some of the most pressing concerns in U.S. science, encouraging the community to explore ways to:

1. Improve collaboration between universities and industries on research;
2. Encourage innovation and curiosity over quantity of publications and citations;
3. Offer students more opportunities to pursue graduate degrees in STEM;
4. Streamline the application processes for federal funding to reduce administrative burden;
5. Employ artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce menial research labor; and
6. Support “high-risk, high-reward research.”

McNutt concluded by emphasizing how the U.S. scientific enterprise needs to make changes soon or else U.S. talent will pursue careers internationally and citizens’ trust in science will continue to degrade.

A recording of the address can be found here.

This article was contributed by COSSA Intern Caroline Seo.