The Office of Management and Budget has proposed a new rule that would shift scientific grant funding decisions from peer-reviewed experts to political appointees, potentially allowing grants to be canceled based on administrative whims. This editorial urges scientists and the public to submit feedback before the July 13 deadline, warning that the proposal undermines scientific merit and introduces significant bureaucratic hurdles. If enacted, the rule would carry the force of law, making it difficult to challenge in court.
Background
The proposal aims to increase government oversight of federal grants but risks politicizing basic scientific research by removing peer review as the primary criterion for merit. Public comment periods are a critical mechanism for stakeholders to influence regulatory outcomes before they become binding law.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 2, 2026 at 06:00 PM
- Score
- 9.0 / 10