September 25, 2025
To the National Science Foundation, the National Science Board, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Members of Congress, Researchers, and U.S. STEM Educators
Since 1952, the U.S. National Science Foundation has nurtured the nation’s brightest homegrown research talent via the Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). Each year, the program’s support enables high-potential graduate students to dedicate themselves fully to developing scientific and technological breakthroughs that benefit society —innovations that create new industries, safeguard against emerging threats, and improve quality of life. The program’s impact is undeniable: among its alumni are 50 Nobel laureates and thousands of today’s science and engineering leaders—a testament to GRFP’s unparalleled success.
It is shocking, therefore, that at the very moment when these promising students should be stepping onto the starting line of their research careers, that line has vanished.
Weeks ago, the NSF asked the impossible—posting application deadlines without providing a way to apply and without issuing an official solicitation or guidelines (see: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/grfp-nsf-graduate-research-fellowship-program). The announcement includes no clarity on eligibility, no information about reference letter deadlines, and no guidance on the rumored changes that thousands of graduate students—and the mentors who support them—have been anxiously speculating about for weeks. In previous years, this information was made public at least 90 days before the October deadlines, as required by the very first paragraph of NSF Policy.
With only a month remaining before the posted deadlines, students are being asked to begin their research careers in the dark. Competitive GRFP applications often take months to prepare, and the absence of clear guidance places all of that effort at risk. Worse still, because students may apply only at the start of their graduate studies, missing this year’s application window would deprive entire cohorts of the opportunity—an outcome that harms not only the students themselves but cheats the nation, through the loss of future talent.
Despite these unfortunate circumstances, everyone committed to the success of U.S. science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) wants the best for these students. Those of us outside the chain of decision-making—but working on the front lines of STEM research and education—trust in the good intentions of our NSF colleagues, yet we are compelled to voice our support for the GRFP and to urge the highest vigilance in safeguarding its legacy.
We call on decision-makers to provide clarity and extend flexibility so that whatever process emerges remains true to the merit-based standards that have guided NSF since 1952 in selecting fellows who go on to make extraordinary contributions to research and society across every STEM field. We also call on all who care about U.S. leadership in science and technology to scrutinize the forthcoming solicitation closely and—in the best spirit of scientific collaboration—hold every party accountable for how we meet the profound responsibility of selecting and supporting those whose careers will shape the future of U.S. science, technology, and prosperity.
Authors: Jason Williams, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Lauren Kuehne, Omfishient Consulting; Susan E. Brennan, Stony Brook University; Gisèle Muller-Parker, Retired NSF GRFP Lead Program Officer (2008-2018).
Take action
Sign the letter and comment
If you agree with the sentiment of this letter, please sign and consider leaving a comment about the importance of the GRFP and impacts of the current uncertainty on you.
Share your story
2025 Applicants and advisors Call or email your congressional representatives to share your story and the personal impacts to yourself. You can look up your House Representative and Senators; phone calls are usually best, especially for time-sensitive issues, but emails/web forms are good too.
Past GRFP fellows and applicants Share with social media—how would the current situation have impacted your career? Why does funding graduate research students matter?
Join the mailing list
Since we anticipate updates and further actions regarding the 2025 GRFP, please add your name and email if you wish to be informed about additional community responses for the 2025 program. Your email will not be shared. Note: Updates do not communicate official NSF news about GRFP, continue to rely on NSF updates for official news on the program.
`