National Science Board Dismissed by President Trump

US President Trump has dismissed all members of the National Science Board, the group that oversees the National Science Foundation (NSF). Reports were shared by the Associated Press and other outlets.

NSB and NSF director jointly “pursue the goals and functions of NSF, including the duty to “recommend and encourage the pursuit of national policies for the promotion of research and education in science and engineering.

The NSB has two additional roles:  establishes NSF’s policies within the framework of applicable national policies set forth by the president and the Congress, including approval of NSF’s strategic budget directions and the annual budget submission to the Office of Management and Budget; and approval of new major NSF programs and awards.

The NSF’s areas of focus include biology, chemistry, creating a STEM workforce, earth and the environment, materials science and other areas.  

NSB also serves as an independent body of advisors to both the president and Congress on policy matters related to science and engineering and education in science and engineering. In addition to major reports, NSB also publishes occasional policy papers or statements on issues of importance to US science and engineering.”

The NSF was created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950,” which established that there would be a board and director that would pursue the goals and functions of NSF, including the duty to “recommend and encourage the pursuit of national policies for the promotion of research and education in science and engineering.”

In addition to advising the President and Congress on science and engineering policy,  also approves major funding awards.

The NSB is made up of 25 members appointed by the President. Members, who serve six-year terms,  are drawn from industry and universities, and represent a variety of science and engineering disciplines and geographic areas. The NSB is apolitical, per the NSF website.

The next NSB meeting had been scheduled for May 5, 2026. It has been cancelled.

According to the NSF website, the NSF Act of 1950 (as amended) states that nominees to the “Board shall be eminent in the fields of the basic, medical, or social sciences, engineering, agriculture, education, research management or public affairs; (2) shall be selected solely on the basis of established records of distinguished service; and (3) shall be so selected as to provide representation of the views of scientific and engineering leaders in all areas of the Nation.”