National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan has resigned from his position unexpectedly, more than a year before the scheduled end of his term.
In an all-staff memo obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News, Panchanathan stated, “I believe that I have done all I can to advance the mission of the agency and feel that it is time for me to pass the baton to new leadership.” Brian Stone, the director’s chief of staff, will serve as the interim head of the agency.
While Panchanathan did not provide a detailed explanation for his departure, it coincides with a broader government initiative to downsize operations across various agencies, leading to staff layoffs, grant cancellations, and travel restrictions at the National Science Foundation.
Addressing the significance of this transition, Panchanathan emphasized the importance of strategic efficiencies and investments for maintaining global competitiveness in his communication to the staff. Sources within the agency mentioned that Panchanathan was also managing personal responsibilities related to his mother’s health during this period.
Despite inquiries about the leadership change, the NSF chose to share a condensed version of Panchanathan’s internal memo without elaborating further.
Zoe Lofgren, the House Science, Space, and Technology ranking member, commended Panchanathan for his efforts in implementing critical legislation, responding to public health challenges like Covid-19, and addressing issues of harassment within the agency. However, she expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Reflecting on Panchanathan’s tenure, Lofgren criticized the impact of political decisions on scientific initiatives, stating, “Director Panchanathan’s contributions to the scientific enterprise in the first five years of his tenure are vanishing before our eyes thanks to President Trump’s anti-science crusade, and the damage will take decades to undo.”
Originally appointed by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate in June 2020 for a six-year term, Panchanathan brought extensive experience from his role as the chief research and innovation officer at Arizona State University to his position at the NSF.
