National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan abruptly resigned Thursday afternoon, more than a year before the end of his term.
“I believe that I have done all I can to advance the mission of the agency and feel that it is time for me to pass the baton to new leadership,” Panchanathan said in an all-staff memo obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News.
Brian Stone, the director’s chief of staff, will lead the agency on an interim basis.
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Panchanathan didn’t fully explain the reason for his exit. But his departure comes amid a governmentwide downsizing effort that has seen the scientific research funding agency lay off staff, cancel grants and sharply restrict travel.
