Message to the SIAM Community: 2026 U.S. Federal Budget Request

SIAM continues to advocate for federal funding for critical research and workforce programs in the U.S.; support sound research policy; and participate in community advocacy to ensure our community's goals and priorities are reflected in broader science advocacy and that we add our voice to shared efforts.

What’s Happening

The Presidential Budget Request released May 2 includes a proposal for significant cuts to science funding in the U.S., including to the National Science Foundation (NSF) by more than 55%, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by 40%, and the Department of Energy’s Office of Science by 14%. More details are expected to be released in coming weeks that will give a better sense of how the applied mathematics and computational science community would be affected and give information on research funding in additional agencies, such as the Department of Defense (DOD). If enacted, these proposed cuts would significantly curtail U.S. research, harm our competitiveness, reduce innovation, diminish the scientific workforce, and pose a serious threat to the development of future American scientists.

This budget request is the start of the process for the fiscal year 2026 U.S. federal budget, and there is still time to advocate to Congress to pass much higher appropriations for mathematics and science.

What You Can Do

You can help our community and the U.S. research enterprise by speaking to your members of Congress about the need to protect and grow funding for critical agencies! Your voice can make a difference. Here are some resources and ways to get involved.

Take Action

• Reach Out: Let Congress know why federally funded research is essential as they make key budget decisions. Ask your Senators and Representatives to defend science in the fiscal year 2026 budget appropriations process. We encourage you to make your voice heard on these issues and those that are meaningful to you.
• Share Your Story: We want to hear from you. Have you been directly or indirectly impacted by federal changes? Please share with us. These stories will help inform our advocacy for the community and potential future SIAM initiatives and activities.

Thank you for joining us in standing up for scientists and science and, as always, thank you for your important contributions in advancing the research in our disciplines. Learn more about implications of the proposed budget for research, technology, education, workforce, and health programs in this report prepared by Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, SIAM's government relations partner.