White House Science Report Calls For Reducing University Research Funding

White House Science Report Calls For Reducing University Research Funding centers on a new administration proposal to reshape U.S. research spending. The 90-page report, “Science: The New Golden Age,” released this week and authored by Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, criticizes what it calls an “increasingly calcified system.” It argues for significantly reducing funding for research universities and reallocating more money to “individual scientists,” along with new mission-driven organizations. The report also calls for more flexible grant mechanisms, a shift from traditional peer review toward backing unconventional proposals, and increased investment in physical sciences and AI, while de-emphasizing life sciences. Critics, including Rep. Zoe Lofgren and prominent scientists, warn the plan could weaken fundamental research, politicize grant awards, and marginalize leading universities. The report raises questions about how it will be implemented and used, amid concerns of potential politicization.