Comment from Lyndsay Young
Lyndsay YoungOpposeAcademic
Summary: A scientist argues that the proposed OMB regulations would undermine the integrity and independence of federally funded research by introducing political influence and restricting international collaboration. The commenter urges the OMB to reject the proposal to preserve a merit-based, peer-reviewed system that protects academic freedom and scientific innovation.
As a scientist, I wholeheartedly oppose these proposed OMB regulations because they would undermine the integrity, independence, and collaborative nature of federally funded research by allowing political considerations to influence funding decisions, reducing support through changes to grant mechanisms and indirect costs, restricting international collaborations, and expanding the government's ability to terminate awards without clear justification. These changes would also hinder scientific communication by limiting support for conferences, publications, and professional societies while restricting researchers' ability to engage in public advocacy. I urge OMB to reject these proposals and preserve a merit-based, peer-reviewed research system that protects scientific innovation, academic freedom, and the United States' global leadership in research.