Science News Update, July 4, 2025
We’re still trying to figure out what the US budget means for research funding. Short answer — not good!
Here’s the top news themes of the week.
Scientists Warn US Will Lose a Generation of Talent
The ongoing discussion reflects significant concerns about massive budget cuts to the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with reported funding decreases of up to 72% for the NSF. These cuts signal a substantial reduction in support for scientific research in the United States, which has historically been a leader in global scientific advancement. The implications of reduced funding could lead to a “brain drain,” where American scientists and researchers may seek opportunities in countries with more robust support for research and development, such as the UK, France, and Germany, potentially diminishing the U.S.’s dominant position in global science and innovation.
UW astronomers help power up telescope featuring world’s largest digital camera to map the night sky
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, featuring the world’s largest digital camera, has released its first images, capturing stunning details of the Trifid and Lagoon nebulae and the Virgo Cluster. With a mission to continuously survey the southern hemisphere’s night sky over the next decade, this observatory aims to create a comprehensive “Google Maps” of the cosmos, enabling scientists and amateur astronomers alike to study celestial phenomena and potentially identify asteroids on collision courses with Earth. This initiative, named in honor of astronomer Vera C. Rubin, who made groundbreaking contributions to understanding dark matter, signifies a new era in astronomical research by publicly offering unprecedented access to vast amounts of data.
Getting into Civil and Environmental Engineering?
The University of California, Berkeley’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers dynamic graduate programs, including concentrations in areas such as Systems, Transportation Engineering, Construction Systems, and more, all linked to industry and current technological advancements. These programs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining engineering with environmental, economic, and societal impacts, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in private and public sectors, both domestically and globally. With the pending transition from the Berkeley Academic Guide to the Berkeley Catalog in July 2025, prospective students can utilize various resources to tailor their educational paths to align with emerging industry trends, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation.
And the most prominent themes across the recently published literature. Love those quanta.
