Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced his resignation effective April 24, 2025, ending his six-year term prematurely. Appointed by former President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate in 2020, Panchanathan stated that he felt he had “done all [he] can” to advance the agency’s mission and was ready to “pass the baton to new leadership.”
Resignation Comes Amid Significant Budget Cuts
Panchanathan’s resignation comes at a critical and turbulent time for the NSF and other federal science agencies. Under the Trump administration’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, the NSF faced a drastic 55% budget cut and a mandate to reduce its workforce by 50%. These austerity measures have resulted in mass layoffs, the cancellation of grants, and the termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs—actions that have sparked significant backlash from the scientific community.
While Panchanathan did not explicitly cite these budget cuts as the reason for his resignation, the timing of his departure raises questions about the mounting pressure within the agency. Furthermore, sources close to Panchanathan have indicated that he has been dealing with personal challenges, including caring for his ailing mother, which may have influenced his decision.
A Legacy of Leadership in STEM and Innovation
Before becoming NSF Director, he served as executive vice president of knowledge enterprise development and chief research and innovation officer at Arizona State University. Throughout his tenure at the NSF, Panchanathan worked to broaden participation in STEM fields and expand the agency’s impact, particularly among underrepresented groups.
Interim Leadership Following Panchanathan’s Departure
Following Panchanathan’s resignation, the NSF named Brian Stone, his chief of staff, as interim director. As reported by nripulse.com, Stone closely involved himself with the agency’s operations. He is expected to oversee the foundation’s work as it navigates ongoing challenges.
