1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing with great concern surrounding the recent reporting in Science Magazine about dramatic changes within the National Science Foundation, including the abolition of directorates and programs, on top of massive reductions in staffing (https://www.science.org/content/article/exclusive-nsf-faces-radical-shake-officials-abolish-its-37-divisions). As a scientist and educator, as well as an engaged citizen, I find these developments alarming. So much of the United States' primacy in global affairs, our prosperity and quality of life, arise from our scientific accomplishments. The NSF is one of the jewels of the United States, fostering innovation and technical development, supporting the scientists of today and tomorrow, at remarkably little cost compared with the downstream impact. The proposed changes, jettisoning established programs and knowledgeable staff, with no clear plan for future operations, are nothing short of vandalism. I urge you to fight these actions with any or all means possible. The gutting of the NSF, on top of similar actions against the NIH, NOAA, NASA, the EPA and multiple other agencies, is an existential threat against science and innovation in the United States, and will make the country and our collective futures immeasurably poorer. It cannot be allowed to succeed.