RSC statement on US Office of Management and Budget proposals

Global progress and prosperity depend on science enabled by stable, expert-led funding, rigorous peer review and free-flowing international collaboration. The Royal Society of Chemistry is seriously concerned that proposed changes from the US Office of Management and Budget would undermine that successful model of scientific endeavour, with damaging consequences for global economies and wider society.

The proposals risk creating greater uncertainty for researchers and institutions, restricting international collaboration, and making it harder to publish, share and discuss scientific findings. This would weaken the exchange of knowledge and expertise on which scientific progress depends, disrupting long-term research programmes.

Science supports productive economies, highly skilled jobs and the development of new industries and technologies. It enables new medicines and diagnostic tools, cleaner and more secure energy, safer and more sustainable materials, resilient food and water systems, and practical responses to climate change and environmental degradation. Slowing the creation and circulation of knowledge would delay these advances and reduce our collective capacity to respond to shared threats.

Chemistry is inherently international. Complex challenges cannot be addressed effectively when researchers are isolated, collaboration is constrained or access to knowledge is limited. Decisions that weaken a world-renowned research system will disrupt partnerships, supply chains and innovation worldwide.

We stand with our partners in the US and the wider scientific community in urging policymakers to protect stable, merit-based research funding, open publication and responsible international collaboration. These are essential foundations for prosperity, security, public health, technological progress and a more sustainable, resilient world.