Social Science Under Siege: Trump Administration Targets NSF’s SBE Division for Cuts
The National Science Foundation’s division dedicated to Social, Behavioral, and Economic sciences (SBE) is currently in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. Known for funding critical research into human interaction and economic systems, the SBE division faces an uncertain future as new federal priorities shift away from these disciplines. This move signals a significant departure from long-standing bipartisan support for a broad scientific agenda.
Advocates for the social sciences argue that defunding this division would be a short-sighted mistake. From understanding public health crises to optimizing cybersecurity through human factors, SBE-funded research provides the data necessary for informed governance. The potential dissolution of this division marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between the American government and the scientific community.