Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is severely impacting US scientific research, especially at the United States Antarctic Program, where vital project managers have been dismissed. With potential funding cuts looming, scientists fear for the future of critical research, such as climate studies. Their concerns extend beyond research viability to international influence, as countries like China may capitalize on the U.S.'s reduced presence in the region. This shakeup jeopardizes not only scientific progress but also U.S. leadership in global research and innovation amidst rising geopolitical competition.
Scientists are now worried that the funding for their research could soon be cut off. Managers who were in charge of Antarctic projects at the National Science Foundation... were fired last week as part of a much broader culling by Musk's DOGE.
Without them, everything stops. I have no idea who I am supposed to report to now or what happens to submitted proposals.
Presumably it would be humiliating for anyone who wishes to promote 'America First' to witness China offer to take over the occupation and management of the base at the heart of Antarctica.
Besides shifting geopolitics, scientists are worried DOGE's cuts could trigger a brain drain.
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