News Summary

  • The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) warned that the Trump administration's dismissal of all members of the National Science Board could hinder the advancement of "American innovation, resilience, and security." The warning came from a statement issued by ASCE President Marsha Anderson Bomar on Tuesday, April 28.
  • ASCE noted that the National Science Foundation (NSF) supports critical research that shapes how engineers design and protect infrastructure, including improvements in seismic performance and extreme weather resilience.
  • According to Reuters, on April 24, the Trump administration removed all members of the National Science Board from their positions.

In-Depth Analysis

In its statement, ASCE emphasized that NSF has a historic role in funding "independent, competitive, and peer-reviewed research" that underpins the nation's health, defense, and public welfare.

Bomar said in the statement: "Firing the entire leadership of an organization whose work spans many complex disciplines threatens the viability of its operations, which benefit all of us. The world has witnessed the United States transform into a global superpower through investment in research and innovation. As we approach our 250th anniversary, we must make decisions that will sustain this legacy."

The organization also directly linked NSF-funded research to advances in the built environment, noting that improvements in infrastructure's ability to withstand floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and tornadoes are largely derived from these research programs.

Bomar said: "Our understanding of how to protect buildings, roads, bridges, and more from seismic events, or how these structures perform over years of use, is largely a result of NSF support. Our workforce, public safety, and global competitiveness depend on continued support for NSF and its contributions to American excellence."