New White House Science Report Calls for AI Focus and Overhaul of Federal Funding
7 verified6 unconfirmed
A new report from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, written by director Michael Kratsios, calls for a "new golden age" of American science by shifting federal research funding toward artificial intelligence and away from traditional university-based grants. The report recommends reducing bureaucratic burdens on scientists, launching new institutions like independent labs, and using innovation funding mechanisms such as fast grants and prizes. At a July 22 congressional hearing, Kratsios outlined the Genesis Mission, a $5 billion AI-for-science initiative led by the Department of Energy. Critics including Democratic lawmakers and scientists argue the report weakens scientific independence and accountability while underfunding basic research. The report does not address recent proposed budget cuts to agencies like the National Science Foundation and NASA.
What’s verified
The report was written by Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
It proposes a "new golden age" of science and seeks to shift funds from universities toward AI-assisted science and innovation funding mechanisms.
The report recommends reducing paperwork and regulatory burdens for scientists.
It advocates for a portfolio approach to federal science funding, including fast grants, prizes, and advance market commitments.
Kratsios announced the Genesis Mission, a national AI-for-science effort led by the Department of Energy.
At a July 22 hearing of the House Science Committee, Kratsios stated that federal agencies have committed more than $5 billion to the Genesis Mission, with 278 awards made so far.
Critics at the hearing and in statements said the report promotes political interference, weakens scientific integrity, and underinvests in fundamental research.
Not yet confirmed
The specific recommendation for "metascience units" as a way to advance experimentation in science agencies appears in only one report.
The report's recommendation for "X-Labs" as independent labs for ambitious challenges appears in only one report.
Details about the Trump administration's proposed FY 2027 and FY 2028 budget cuts to NSF, USGS, NASA, and NOAA are mentioned in only one source.
The fact that the National Science Foundation currently has no director is mentioned in only one source.
The criticism that the report aligns with a June address by former National Academy of Sciences president Marcia McNutt is mentioned in only one source.
The report's four goals (prioritize individual scientist, change research dollar allocation, set clear scientific goals, prepare for AI revolution) are fully detailed in one source.
Key figures
Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists
Colette Delawalla, founder of science advocacy group Stand Up for Science
Jeremy M. Berg, computational biologist and former director of NIH's National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Keivan Stassun, astrophysicist and former member of the National Science Board
Neal Lane, former director of the National Science Foundation
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX)
Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget
Sources: marginalrevolution.com, eos.org
