Science Policy This Week: December 15, 2025

What’s Ahead

NSF hq.jpg — The current headquarters of the National Science Foundation.

NSF

NSF to fund nontraditional teams for commercialization projects

The National Science Foundation announced the launch of an initiative that will fund organizations “operating outside of existing academic, start-up, and industry constraints,” according to NSF’s accompanying request for information. The Tech Labs Initiative will support teams to “move beyond traditional research outputs,” such as publications and datasets, focusing on transitioning critical technology from early concept or prototypes to commercially viable platforms, NSF’s announcement states. Erwin Gianchandani, the head of NSF’s Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Directorate, added that the initiative will allow “entrepreneurial teams of proven scientists” to “pursue breakthrough science at breakneck speed, without needing to frequently stop and apply for additional grant funding with each new idea or development.”

Proposing teams should describe a clear challenge “motivated by practical use considerations” that they are uniquely suited to tackle, the RFI states. NSF will issue a series of topic areas “in which the U.S. must retain or regain technical dominance,” possibly including quantum technology, AI, critical materials, semiconductor manufacturing, and biotechnology, the RFI adds.

NSF expects to select teams in the first half of 2026. Awards would run for at least four years and range from $10 million to $50 million per team per year. The RFI seeks recommendations on the sorts of problems that the program could address within 3 to 7 years, the types of teams that should be eligible, and the optimal degree of team independence, among other topics. Responses are due by Jan. 20. NSF will host two webinars on the RFI, one on Wednesday and another on Jan. 14.

Science strategy for Mars exploration issued by Academies

The National Academies issued a report last week that identifies top science objectives of a human mission to Mars, including studying water and carbon dioxide cycles, Martian geology, dust storms, and primary and secondary radiation at key locations. The report says all its science objectives could be achieved by a crewed mission lasting 30 Martian days (sols), followed by an uncrewed cargo delivery that would set up for a subsequent 300-sol crewed mission. The report includes alternative mission structures that would prioritize some objectives over others.

The report includes recommendations for NASA to prepare for and execute these missions: the agency should establish a Mars surface laboratory, return samples from every human mission back to Earth, and work to maximize the usefulness of AI and robotics. It also highlights the importance of linking Moon-focused and Mars-focused missions and objectives, adding that “successful execution of the Artemis lunar science program is expected to substantially reduce the technology investments needed to successfully complete Mars science objectives.” The report is “agnostic” on whether the currently planned Mars Sample Return mission occurs or not, report co-chair Lindy Elkins-Tanton said at the report release last week. “We would love to have it happen, but that is not necessary for any of the conclusions in our report,” she added.

Science agency civil rights offices probed by Republicans

Republicans on the House Science Committee are highlighting accusations that the civil rights offices at several science agencies are obstructing investigations into grant programs by “falsely claiming that they lack the authority to conduct statutorily mandated oversight.” The letters sent to agency heads last week ask whether their office of civil rights has reviewed programs enacted under the Biden administration for compliance with the Civil Rights Act and with two of President Donald Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders issued in January. The letters reference “allegations that certain OCR leaders have actively discouraged career staff from pursuing investigations into civil rights violations involving federal grant programs” and “reports of retaliation against OCR employees who raise concerns” about obstruction. The letters seek responses by Dec. 19.

Editor’s note: AIP seeking next director of FYI

After ten wonderful years with FYI, I will be stepping down as FYI director in January to take on a new challenge. AIP is now accepting applications for the next director. Please help us spread the word about this job opportunity, and thank you for being a reader of FYI! -Mitch Ambrose

Also on our radar

The Senate is poised to confirm a slate of nominees that includes leaders at NOAA, OSTP, NNSA, and DOD. Jared Isaacman’s confirmation as NASA administrator is also expected to be finalized soon.
The Senate is moving toward a final vote on the National Defense Authorization Act , which the House passed by a vote of 312-112 last week.
President Trump signed an executive order outlining a new national policy framework for AI that aims to shut down attempts to regulate AI at the state level.
The House Science Committee will hold a hearing this week on the implementation of research security measures in the CHIPS and Science Act and NSPM-33. Representatives from NSF, NASA, NIH, and DOE will testify.
Physicist Norbert Holtkamp has been appointed director of Fermilab, effective Jan. 12.