Sethuraman Panchanathan NSF Director And Trump Appointee Resigns

Photo: National Academy Of Inventors

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Sethuraman Panchanathan, scientist and academic who led the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), resigned on April 25. His departure from the $9 billion agency, a cornerstone of scientific advancement, comes amidst significant policy shifts driven by the Trump administration and follows controversial decisions, including the cancellation of hundreds of research grants.

The NSF is also navigating demands for spending cuts from the recently established DOGE headed by Elon Musk, CNN reported.

Panchanathan was initially selected by Trump in his first term in the White House and the selection was unanimously approved by the Senate in 2020. Born and raised in Chennai, got his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Ottawa and his extensive scientific background was seen as providing a strong foundation for leading the nation’s premier science funding agency.

In his parting remarks, provided to CNN, Panchanathan stated, “I believe I have done all I can to advance the critical mission of the agency and feel that it is time for me to pass the baton to new leadership.”

His resignation occurs as the NSF faces increasing pressure to align with the priorities of the current administration. Earlier this month, the agency announced the termination of grants totaling over $230 million. Notably, these cancellations included research projects focused on “diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and misinformation/disinformation,” according to information released by the NSF.

In a recent statement outlining agency “updates,” the foundation indicated that the types of grants being eliminated “are not aligned with NSF’s priorities,” specifically mentioning those focused on DEI and misinformation/disinformation.

Furthermore, the NSF, which employs approximately 1,500 people, may face substantial workforce reductions, thanks to DOGE, CNN said.