Science Impact
Scientists’ Research
Section 1
Survey Overview and Demographics
General Overview
Study Date: 20.11.25–12.01.26
Geographic Coverage: United States
Expertise:
- 39.5% Biology
- 15.1% Civil and Environmental Engineering
- 7.4% Geography
- 21.5% Public Health
- 9.5% Chemistry
- 6.9% Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Response Overview
Sample Size: 1352
Valid Responses: 265
Response Rate: 21
Date initial findings posted: 02.25.26
Most recent update: 02.25.26
Days survey in field: 53
Survey Demographics
Respondent Demographics:
- 42.7% Female
- 57.1% Male
- 100% Academic
- 0% Industry
Language(s): English
Section Overview
In this section, we asked about changes in scientists’ professional activities, research involvement, and career considerations since January 2025.
Question
Findings:
A majority of scientists (70%) report that, since January 2025, their ability to recruit international students or postdocs has decreased (somewhat or a lot). Majorities also report that funding for their research (56%) and their opportunities for international collaborations (51%) have decreased. somewhat or a lot.
During the same time period, most scientists (68%) also reported that their work-related stress had increased either somewhat or a lot, with 47% experiencing decreased work motivation and 42% reporting decreased engagement in professional activities.
Question
Findings:
The majority of scientists reported no change in the dollar amount from research funding sources since January 2025.
Among those reporting changes, decreases were more common than increases. 36% reported decreases in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), and 23% reported decreases from the National Institute of Health (NIH). Internal university funding appears more mixed, with about one-quarter (28%) reporting a decrease and 9% reporting an increase.
Half report a decrease in the dollar amount of funding from federal sources (aggregated across all types).
Question
Findings:
Most scientists reported no change in their effort to seek funding across sources (about 62%–76%).
Effort increased (somewhat or a lot) the most for non-profit foundations (27%), internal university funding (22%), and the private sector (21%).
For NSF, decreases in scientists’ effort (22%) were more common than increases (16%). For NIH, decreases (15%) slightly exceeded increases (about 12%).
Aggregated across all types of federal sources, about half (48%) report an increased effort to obtain funding.
Question
Findings:
Among all career change options, retirement is the most explored option. About 47% of scientists reported they have explored retirement.
One in four scientists reports exploring job opportunities outside academia (27%).
More scientists report exploring opportunities outside academia than exploring another academic job in the U.S. (20%) or in another country (23%).
