July 21, 2026
Newly proposed federal policy would give political appointees greater authority over scientific grant funding, weakening the peer-review process, reducing support for basic research, and creating uncertainty that could disrupt universities, discourage emerging scientists, and slow long-term innovation. In this article in the Silicon Valley Business Journal, Sean Randolph, Senior Director of the Institute, contends that politicizing research funding threatens U.S. leadership in science and technology, ultimately undermining economic competitiveness and innovation, and urges the business community to oppose the proposal.