National Science Foundation freezes payments in response to executive orders

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has frozen payments for all existing grants and halted the review of new applications in response to executive actions from the Trump administration targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This freeze affects numerous researchers, including postdoctoral biologist Julia Van Etten, who relies on NSF funding for her work and living expenses. The NSF's decision comes despite the White House's rescinding of a memo that called for a pause in federal grant spending. The agency's actions are based on the requirement that all grantees comply with the executive orders, which may conflict with the NSF's congressional mandate to broaden participation in science. This situation has created confusion among universities regarding their legal obligations and funding management. Some institutions are advising researchers to continue their work unless explicitly instructed otherwise, while others have paused non-personnel spending. The funding freeze is expected to have significant repercussions on ongoing research, with scientists expressing concerns about the potential delays and impacts on their work. The NSF is currently reviewing billions of dollars in grants to identify those related to DEI, and funding is unlikely to resume until this review is complete.

- NSF has frozen payments for existing grants and halted new applications due to Trump administration's DEI executive actions.

- Researchers are facing financial difficulties as they cannot access funds for living expenses and research.

- Universities are uncertain about their legal exposure and how to manage federal grant funding.

- The freeze could delay important scientific research and hinder progress in various fields.

- NSF's review of grants related to DEI may prolong the funding freeze.