The US federal government suffered one of the most severe losses of scientific expertise in its modern history in 2025, with more than 10,000 STEM PhD scientists leaving federal agencies in a single year. An analysis published by Sciencebased on workforce data from the US Office of Personnel Management, found that 10,109 doctoral-level scientists have exited government service since Donald Trump took office. The departures were driven by retirements, resignations and eliminated positions, resulting in a 14% reduction in the federal STEM PhD workforce, the largest annual decline ever recorded.
Science data reveals a historic PhD exodus
According to Science, departures far outpaced hiring across 14 research-intensive agencies, with nearly eleven scientists leaving for every one hired. Analysts warn this imbalance is particularly damaging because federal science agencies rely heavily on long-tenured experts to manage grants, oversee regulatory science and guide long-term research strategies. The scale of the losses has raised concerns about whether agencies can maintain continuity in critical scientific programs.The impact has been most pronounced at institutions central to the US research ecosystem. The National Institutes of Health recorded the largest loss, with more than 1,100 PhD scientists leaving in 2025. The National Science Foundation lost just over 200 doctoral scientists, while agencies including NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also experienced sharp declines. Many of those who departed held senior roles requiring years of specialized expertise.
Experts warn of lasting damage to US science capacity
Reaction from leading voices in the scientific community has been stark. Holden Thorp, former editor-in-chief of Science and vice chancellor for research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, described the figures as stunning and warned that the losses represent a serious setback to the nation’s ability to conduct basic research and respond effectively to public health and environmental challenges. He said the erosion of federal scientific expertise risks undermining innovation at a time when global competition is intensifying.Concerns have also been echoed across the broader research ecosystem. Dr Jane Harrington, a biomedical scientist and higher education advocate, said she struggles to imagine what the higher education landscape will look like by 2030, particularly amid cuts to National Science Foundation programs. She warned that the loss of support ecosystems for scientific research would be felt for generations.
Why scientists are leaving federal service
While many departures were formally recorded as retirements or voluntary resignations, researchers and policy analysts point to deeper structural causes. Prolonged budget uncertainty, delayed hiring approvals and agency reorganizations have created instability across the federal science workforce. Shifts in policy priorities and concerns about the long-term security of federal research careers have also weighed on morale, prompting experienced scientists to leave earlier than planned or seek opportunities outside government.
Experience and institutional knowledge lost
Science estimates that the departures represent more than 106,000 cumulative years of scientific experience lost in a single year, nearly three times the figure recorded in 2024. Experts warn this loss of institutional memory cannot be quickly replaced, even if hiring resumes, because it includes deep familiarity with regulatory systems, grant oversight processes and long-running research initiatives that shape national science policy.
Broader implications for research and innovation
The exodus has reignited debate over the long-term consequences for the US research enterprise. Federal investment in science has historically delivered strong economic returns, with multiple studies showing that each dollar spent generates more than two dollars in broader economic benefit. Critics argue that sustained losses of senior scientific talent risk weakening that return by hollowing out the institutions responsible for setting research agendas and safeguarding scientific standards.Although some policymakers argue the workforce is adjusting after years of expansion, many scientists view the scale and speed of the departures as a warning sign. With global competition for STEM talent accelerating, they say restoring funding stability, clear career pathways and confidence in federal research institutions will be essential to prevent a prolonged erosion of America’s scientific base.
