A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Impact of 2025 Federal Actions on US Science: "People Are Going to Die"

Objectives. To describe the impact of federal actions in 2025 on US science. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of scientists between April 1 and May 2, 2025, exploring impact of recent federal actions (n = 158). We used descriptive statistics to summarize data. From May 19 to July 14, 2025, we conducted interviews (n = 22) using a semistructured interview guide informed by the Social Ecological Model. We used constructivist grounded theory to inductively identify themes. We transcribed interviews using Rev.com and coded in NVivo 1.72 and Excel. Repeat interviews (n = 15) were conducted from February 18 to March 31, 2026, for member-checking. Results. Of 158 respondents from 35 US states, the majority were White (73%), women (66%), and faculty (63%). Federal actions disrupted scientific work broadly, and negative psychological impacts were substantial. Themes from interviews (n = 22) included American culture shifts, impacts on scientists, impacts on public health, responses to federal actions, and lessons learned. A conceptual framework of adaptation in response to abrupt cultural disruption emerged from the data. Conclusions. Federal actions in 2025 created major disruptions to US academic institutions, science, and public health with long-term and far-reaching consequences anticipated. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print September 10, 2026:e1-e11. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308695).