Insider Brief
- The National Science Foundation fired 168 employees Tuesday in response to a presidential executive order, raising concerns about the impact on quantum computing and artificial intelligence research.
- The layoffs affected probationary employees and part-time experts in physics-related fields, with some NSF staff questioning the selection process and impact on morale.
- NSF is a key funder of quantum science, supporting research, startups, and workforce development, and the terminations could slow grant processing and disrupt ongoing projects.
The National Science Foundation fired 168 employees Tuesday as part of a government-wide effort to reduce the federal workforce, according to multiple sources. The move has raised concerns about its impact on scientific research, particularly in quantum computing and artificial intelligence, fields where the agency has heavily invested.
The layoffs were in response to an executive order issued by President Trump last week aimed at cutting government jobs under what the administration has called a “Workforce Optimization Initiative.” An NSF spokesperson told NextGov that the firings were necessary for compliance with the order, thanking the affected employees for their service.
“Last week the President issued Executive Order, Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative [whitehouse.gov] (“Workforce Optimization E.O.”),” an NSF spokesperson told Nextgov/FCW in an email. “To ensure compliance with this E.O. the National Science Foundation has released 168 employees from Federal service effective today. We thank these employees for their service to NSF and their contributions to advance the agency mission.”
The firings included both probationary employees — those with less than two years of federal service — and “expert” part-time hires with specialized research backgrounds. Some worked within physics-related research divisions, a person familiar with the layoffs told NextGov.
“I don’t know how they made the decision for who to notify, but my guess is that it’s pretty blunt … which is not as strategic as it could have been, or not as thoughtful,” a source told NextGov. “Morale has certainly been higher in the past.””
The White House ordered federal agencies to compile lists of probationary employees, and in some cases, workers were warned they could be fired imminently, according to NextGov. While some agencies have exempted portions of their workforce, NSF did not publicly indicate whether it had done so. Probationary employees can appeal their dismissals to the Merit Systems Protection Board if they claim the decision was politically motivated.
As of May 2024, more than 200,000 federal employees had been hired in the past year, according to the Office of Personnel Management. The scope of additional firings remains unclear.
NSF and Quantum Science Funding
NSF plays a key role in funding quantum science, supporting university research, technology development, and workforce training. The agency has invested in quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies through initiatives like the National Quantum Initiative, which coordinates research with other federal agencies and industry partners.
Through its Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, NSF funds quantum startups and collaborates with companies on applied research. It also operates Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes, which focus on advancing computing, communication, and materials science related to quantum technologies.
NSF’s support extends to education, offering grants to train scientists and engineers in quantum information science. The agency backs fellowships and scholarships that help build a workforce capable of leveraging quantum advances for national security and economic growth.
The loss of employees in physics-focused divisions raises concerns about whether NSF’s quantum programs will face delays or disruptions. Experts say even a temporary slowdown in funding decisions or grant processing could hinder projects reliant on NSF support.
