NSF FACES SHAKEUP AS OFFICIALS ABOLISH ITS 37 DIVISIONS
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is undergoing a major internal restructuring, including the elimination of all 37 divisions across its eight directorates, amid proposed federal budget cuts and broader administrative changes. The current division leadership positions will be dissolved, and a new structure is expected to reduce the number of research programs and introduce an additional layer of review for grant approvals. Staff layoffs are anticipated, and some previously awarded grants have reportedly been canceled. According to Science, a spokesperson for NSF says the rationale for abolishing the divisions and removing their leaders is “to reduce the number of SES [senior executive service] positions in the agency and create new nonexecutive positions to better align with the needs of the agency.”
