The dismissals of members from the National Science Board (NSB) by the Trump administration have raised concerns regarding the future of the board, which plays a crucial role in shaping policies for the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF is responsible for distributing around 25 percent of federal funding for research at U.S. colleges and universities. Current reports indicate that the number of dismissed members is not yet confirmed.
Members of the NSB received notifications indicating their termination was effective immediately. The board, which has a maximum capacity of 25 active members, currently operates with only 22 members following the resignation of former NSF director Sethuraman Panchanathan last year.
In a response to the dismissals, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren criticized the actions, referring to them as a "real bozo the clown move." Lofgren, who is the Ranking Member of the House's Science, Space and Technology Committee, expressed her disapproval of the administration's ongoing attacks on the NSF.
As uncertainty looms over the NSB's upcoming meeting scheduled for May 5, inquiries about the future of the board and its operations have been directed to the White House.