In 1945, President Harry Truman proposed the establishment of an agency to fund scientific investigations, leading to the creation of the National Science Foundation (NSF). As of 2024, the NSF provides approximately 10% of federal research funding to U.S. universities, with its Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) division supporting about 63% of research in these fields. The Trump administration has proposed significant budget cuts to the NSF, including the elimination of the SBE division, which would require Congressional approval. Last year, Congress rejected similar cuts requested by President Trump. Recently, the administration dismissed all members of the NSF’s board, which is responsible for approving major changes to the agency.
Concerns have been raised regarding the future of social sciences funding. A White House spokesperson indicated that the administration prioritizes funding for hard sciences over social sciences. Reports suggest that the SBE division's budget for the current fiscal year is significantly reduced compared to previous years, with only five social science awards granted so far this year, compared to approximately 250 in a typical year.
The NSF has already ceased funding for certain doctoral research areas, and many social scientists are worried about the implications of the proposed budget cuts. The SBE division is the primary funder of major social science surveys that inform research on American life, such as economic mobility and voting behavior. Without federal support, experts warn that understanding societal shifts may become more difficult.
Historically, social sciences have faced scrutiny regarding their funding. In the past, funding for these fields has been cut, but advocates have successfully argued for their importance to the economy and society. Some conservative analysts now argue for the continued funding of social sciences, emphasizing their relevance in providing insights for businesses and policymakers. A coalition of organizations has warned that losing the SBE division could have lasting negative effects on national research, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, which require an understanding of human behavior.