The National Science Foundation has terminated over 400 active research grants, citing a shift in agency priorities that no longer include combating misinformation or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The move has drawn scrutiny from researchers and lawmakers amid concerns over political influence on federal science funding.

According to a spreadsheet obtained by Nextgov/FCW, approximately $328 million in grants were canceled, including projects related to deepfake detection, STEM access for underserved students, and election security. Many of the affected awards originated from university programs and were aimed at enhancing scientific media literacy, developing AI tools to detect online disinformation, and broadening participation in STEM fields.

In an April 18 statement, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said the agency would no longer fund research “with the goal of combating ‘misinformation,’ ‘disinformation,’ and ‘malinformation’ that could be used to infringe on the constitutionally protected speech rights” of Americans. An accompanying FAQ emphasized that funding should not preference “subgroups of people based on protected class or characteristics,” as defined under federal law.

Researchers across the country said they received notice late on Friday, April 19, via email. Some expressed concern over the lack of transparency and the inability to appeal. According to The New York Times, the cancellations follow months of review processes that targeted grants mentioning keywords such as “transgender,” “vaccine,” or “underserved.” Senator Ted Cruz had previously identified 3,483 “questionable projects” in an October 2024 report, some of which were later terminated. Internal NSF staff reportedly advised that projects be reassessed under “updated guidance” consistent with the Trump administration’s executive orders.

Researchers affected by the cuts included Gianluca Stringhini at Boston University and Kate Starbird at the University of Washington, whose projects focused on disinformation detection and information integrity. “The cuts will be disruptive and are disheartening, especially for junior researchers,” Starbird told Nieman Lab. Others, such as University of Michigan doctoral student Ember McCoy, reported losing funding for community-based environmental research in low-income neighborhoods. “I sensed it was coming,” she told The Times.

Inside Higher Ed reported that the NSF’s definition of “protected characteristics” now excludes factors such as geography, socioeconomic status, and institutional type, traits still allowed under current funding criteria. Future applicants have been advised to align proposals with six of the agency’s seven congressionally outlined goals, excluding efforts to expand participation in STEM for underrepresented groups.

Democratic lawmakers and higher education advocates have expressed alarm. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, ranking member of the House Committee on Science, said in a statement, “The American people deserve a scientific enterprise free from political interference.”

As of April 22, 2025, the NSF has not responded to multiple requests for clarification regarding the legality of the terminations. A restraining order issued earlier this year blocked the agency from using executive orders to cancel grants, though the NSF maintains that the terminations are based on reprioritization, not direct enforcement of those orders. The long-term impact of the grant cancellations remains to be seen, but researchers and academic institutions are preparing for reduced funding and ongoing uncertainty in the federal research landscape.

References:

• Kelley, Alexandra and DiMolfetta, David. “NSF Cancels Over 400 Grants Covering Disinformation, Deepfakes and STEM Education.” Nextgov/FCW, April 22, 2025.
• Scire, Sarah. “National Science Foundation Cancels Research Grants Related to Misinformation and Disinformation.” Nieman Lab, April 21, 2025.
• Miller, Katrina and Zimmer, Carl. “National Science Foundation Terminates Hundreds of Active Research Awards.” The New York Times, April 22, 2025.
• Blake, Jessica. “National Science Foundation Sets New Priorities.” Inside Higher Ed, April 22, 2025.