Scientific Research: Uncertain Funding Creates Uncertain Futures
America has been a dominant figure in leading breakthrough scientific research, but with this new administration in office we could very easily see that start to change. Leading the country with a disdain for science and promises to cut federal spending down by a tremendous amount, Trump’s nominees for certain high-level administrative positions sets the tone for an uncertain future in scientific research.
In just the first 100 days after the Trump administration took control, federal science programs have felt various attacks including staffing cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, funding cuts for the National Institute of Health and the National Science Foundation, and the dismissal of scientists working on the National Climate Assessment.
Trump appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services for the U.S. government, Robert F. Kennedy, is quite possibly the biggest threat to disease and vaccine research we have right now. Also known as an avid antivaccine activist and conspiracy theorist, his latest actions have reflected just how cutthroat he intends to be against the things he chooses not to believe. Terminating 22 contracts that cancel almost $500 million in funding meant for the development of mRNA research, RFK has started to defund research that is critical for understanding diseases like covid and creating protective vaccines to fight them.
Though this is not the first time RFK has made aggressive moves against vaccine related issues. Back in June, he took to firing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and appointed 8 of his own picks onto the committee, all of whom have expressed levels of doubt in regards to the need for and safety of vaccines. Additionally, in April of this year, the Department of Health and Human Services pulled back $11.4 billion in funds for state and community health departments with more than $2 billion being taken away from "Immunization and Vaccines for Children" grants that are responsible for the distributing of vaccines to children and families who might not be able to afford them and even more being taken away from grants focused on HIV prevention and LGBTQ populations. Furthermore, RFK has overseen mass firings of staff in federal health agencies and ordered CDC to halt educational campaigns that have a focus on vaccine content.
The United States leads a lot of research in the health field and from that has created some of the most effective covid vaccines. Without proper funding towards vaccine and disease research, thousands more lives will be lost if another outbreak similar to covid happens. Other countries may end up having to be the ones that step up in order to further the safety and health of their citizens and those around the world which in turn could make treatments all the more expensive if the U.S has to rely on other sources for vaccines and disease research.
Trump appointed Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Lee Zeldin, is also creating cuts against scientific research for the environment. The Trump Administration just recently announced a reorganization of the EPA which includes Lee Zeldin leading staffing cuts for the agency to a level we haven’t seen since Regan was in office. More particularly, the Trump administration is putting their reorganization focus on the Office of Research and Development. This office is crucial in performing scientific analyses on the risks of environmental hazards on ecosystems and human health. Eliminating it would save around $748.8 million, but is sacrificing this important research and potentially the health of our Earth and our people really worth it?
Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, former EPA official expresses her concern with the planned reorganization, stating that, “By splitting things up or eliminating that expertise, we put people at a greater risk and we put this country at a greater risk.” Zeldin defended the changes, explaining that they are all being made in order “to transform the EPA into a more efficient and effective agency”, but ORD staffing and budget cuts could lead to the undermining of environmental research altogether.
With an administration who intends to further destructive efforts towards scientific research, especially pertaining to the world of healthcare and the environment, it is imperative that we find ways to advocate for and support scientific research as much as possible. Our own health and the environment's health is on the line.
