All government shutdowns disrupt science − in 2025, the consequences extend far beyond a lapse in funding

All Government Shutdowns Disrupt Science

Consequences Extend Beyond Funding Lapses in 2025

The Trump administration is not merely reforming the US research system—it is attempting to reshape it completely. Science suffers deeply during government shutdowns. Funding interruptions send government scientists home without pay. Federal agencies halt new grant proposals, pause expert review panels, and stop gathering and analyzing essential public datasets on the economy, environment, and public health.

In 2025, the impact of the shutdown is more severe than in previous instances. This shutdown coincides with significant upheaval in American science and innovation, driven by President Donald Trump’s efforts to expand executive authority and impose political control over scientific institutions.

With the shutdown entering its fifth week and no resolution in sight, rapid and controversial changes to federal research policy under the Trump administration are rewriting the social contract between the U.S. government and research universities. Traditionally, the government provides funding and autonomy in return for the promise of public benefits emerging from research.

Perspective of a Scientist and Policy Scholar

As a physicist and policy scholar, I both study and depend on the state of U.S. science funding through federal grants. I focus on the history and governance of American science policy, including national investments in research and development.

Science always suffers during government shutdowns. Funding lapses send government scientists home without pay. Federal agencies suspend new grant opportunities, place expert review panels on hold, and stop collecting and analyzing critical public datasets.

The Trump administration’s rapid and contentious changes to federal research policy are rewriting the social contract between the U.S. government and research universities.

Author’s summary: The 2025 government shutdown intensifies the ongoing transformation of U.S. science policy under President Trump, disrupting funding, scientific autonomy, and the traditional relationship between government and research institutions.

The Conversation — 2025-11-04