In brief
As the Trump administration enacts significant cutbacks to scientific funding and workforce, scientists at the Boston conference gather to share their grief and strategize on how to address these urgent challenges.
At the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Boston, scientists faced dire discussions surrounding the implications of potential funding cuts alongside the ongoing federal layoffs, deeply unsettling their community. "Angst and anxiety and, to a certain extent, grief," as described by Sudip Parikh, the organization’s leader, captured the sentiment prevalent among attendees. As news of layoffs permeated their phones, it underscored an already tumultuous environment.With President Trump's second term kicking off, the ramifications of the administration's policies have sent shockwaves through the scientific community. Universities are facing stricter regulations regarding diversity initiatives, enticing fears of potential endowment withdrawals, and the prospect of deporting undocumented students, heightening the atmosphere of uncertainty."It's like we're getting hit from all sides," remarked Roger Wakimoto, vice chancellor for research at UCLA, reflecting the desperation felt among institutions grappling with these challenges. Researchers shared their strategies not only to survive but also to advocate for the importance of scientific exploration amid political headwinds.
