PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 2, 2026
Since World War II, the federal government has been the primary funder of basic scientific research. However, President Donald Trump has gone about dismantling the foundation of federal support for research. More than $9 billion of awarded research grants were terminated. Terminating thousands of grants has disrupted ongoing studies, jeopardized future discoveries and created ripple effects across universities, laboratories and industries. We have felt this in Maine. Underfunded health departments are left unable to detect foodborne illnesses and local climate research programs have been unable to provide farmers with the necessary data for crop and water management. The scientific community must invest time and effort into changing the way that they communicate the importance of their research. By learning how to speak across ideological, educational and cultural lines, young scientists would be better equipped to foster trust and build common ground. ~ Rylan Neem, Colby College freshman