The National Science Foundation canceled dozens of review panels Monday for research grant applications, according to emails obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News.
The pause went into effect one day ahead of a sweeping freeze of federal aid announced late Monday by the Office of Management and Budget, including a pause on grants and loans, which will take effect across federal agencies at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
It’s unclear how long the freeze will last. Meanwhile, scientists have expressed concerns that long-term pauses on NSF grants could disrupt U.S. research and affect educational opportunities for students.
The canceled NSF panels were set to evaluate grant proposals on topics ranging from atmospheric science to mathematics. Reviewers were informed Monday morning that all panels scheduled that day were canceled and that they should await additional information about upcoming sessions.