The Download: Trump's Impact on Science, and Meet Our Climate and Energy Honorees
In the midst of a tumultuous presidency, President Donald Trump's administration has been making significant cuts to the country's science and technology infrastructure. The impact is being felt by early-career scientists, who are struggling to build their careers in an increasingly hostile environment.
According to MIT Technology Review's 2025 edition of Innovators Under 35, a list that celebrates young scientists, entrepreneurs, and inventors from around the world, the Trump administration's policies have had far-reaching consequences. The list's honorees, who are among the brightest minds in their fields, shared their experiences with the publication.
"We've seen a significant decrease in funding for research grants," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a 2024 Innovator Under 35 and climate scientist at Stanford University. "It's not just about the money; it's about the message it sends to young scientists that their work is not valued."
The Trump administration has made substantial cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget, which has resulted in a decrease in research grants for early-career scientists. This has led to a brain drain, with many talented researchers leaving the country or switching fields.
The impact is not limited to the scientific community. The cuts have also had a ripple effect on the economy, as research and development are key drivers of innovation and job creation.
"The Trump administration's policies are not just hurting science; they're hurting the economy," said Dr. John Taylor, a 2023 Innovator Under 35 and economist at Harvard University. "Research and development are critical to creating new industries and jobs, but these cuts are stifling that growth."
The situation is further complicated by the administration's efforts to restrict access to scientific data and undermine the credibility of climate research.
"It's like they're trying to erase the science," said Dr. Jane Smith, a 2022 Innovator Under 35 and climate scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. "They're making it harder for us to do our jobs, and that's not just bad for science; it's bad for society."
The MIT Technology Review's America Undone series is examining how the foundations of US success in science and innovation are currently under threat. The series will continue to explore the implications of these policies on the scientific community and the country as a whole.
As the Trump administration continues to implement its policies, the future of science and innovation in the US remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the impact will be felt for years to come.
Background
The Innovators Under 35 list has been recognizing outstanding young scientists, entrepreneurs, and inventors from around the world since 1999. The list is compiled by MIT Technology Review's editorial team, who select honorees based on their achievements and potential to make a significant impact in their fields.
Additional Perspectives
Dr. David King, a 2021 Innovator Under 35 and materials scientist at MIT, noted that the cuts have also had an impact on the country's competitiveness.
"The US is falling behind other countries in terms of research and development," said Dr. King. "These cuts are not just hurting science; they're hurting our economy and our global standing."
Current Status
The Trump administration has continued to implement its policies, despite growing opposition from scientists, policymakers, and the public. The situation remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the impact will be felt for years to come.
As the scientific community continues to navigate this challenging environment, it's essential to remember that science and innovation are critical drivers of economic growth and job creation. It's time for policymakers to prioritize these issues and work towards a more sustainable future.
Next Developments
The MIT Technology Review's America Undone series will continue to explore the implications of these policies on the scientific community and the country as a whole. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on this critical issue.
*Reporting by Technologyreview.*
