Strong U.S. Government Investment in Science is Essential for Discovery and the Prosperity of All Americans
SCU Supports Science

[Washington, DC, March 7, 2025] – Today, the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) issued a statement regarding recent challenges to federal funding for public science and research agencies.

The SCU firmly condemns the abrupt and arbitrary funding freezes affecting these essential agencies, which involve overhead caps, mass layoffs, credit card freezes, communication restrictions, data deletions, keyword censorship, and other obstacles.

These agencies are vital for our nation’s commitment to supporting scientists, scientific institutions, and research initiatives, including vital work related to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).

The repercussions of these capricious actions are widespread and detrimental to the entire U.S. research ecosystem. Alongside millions of scientists, citizens, and organizations across the country, we stand united for science.

The current funding disruptions have led to a significant decline in graduate school admissions, widespread hiring freezes at universities, cancellation of critical undergraduate summer and year-long programs, interruptions to long-term data collection, derailment of projects, and a stifling of new research proposals. As a result, top researchers and early-career scientists are looking abroad for more reliable funding, putting the nation at risk of a “brain drain” that could hinder economic growth for decades.

Historically, federally funded scientific research has profoundly transformed society, showcasing the benefits of investing in discovery:

• Space Exploration: NASA’s Apollo program achieved monumental milestones, such as landing humans on the Moon, while also leading to transformative technologies including satellite communications, GPS, and miniaturized computing—all essential components of today’s global economy.

• Medical Breakthroughs: National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding has been critical in developing life-saving vaccines, such as those for polio and influenza, as well as treatments for cancer. These investments have significantly enhanced American health, prosperity, and longevity.

• Extreme Event Preparedness: Programs managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and NASA have improved environmental forecasting, enabling better predictions of severe weather and climate shifts. This knowledge empowers communities to prepare for disasters like fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and tsunamis. Resources and data produced by these agencies are freely accessible to all Americans.

“Robust funding for scientific research is crucial in maintaining our competitive edge in technology,” emphasized SCU Board Member and scientist Dr. Doug Buettner. “Scientific advancements drive economic growth, create high-paying jobs, and position us as leaders in global innovation.”

The continued federal funding freeze impacting major research grant agencies, including NIH, NSF, NASA, NOAA, USGS, and EPA, persists despite multiple court orders for restoration.

Scientific progress, including research on UAP, builds cumulatively. Advancement is only possible when researchers can access the latest scientific findings and methods, which depend on publicly funded resources from government agencies. UAP research, utilizing ground-based observatories for aerial detection, heavily relies on real-time and historical datasets from agencies like NOAA, USGS, FAA, NASA, NSF, EPA, and DOD, as well as publications from researchers funded by government grants. If the foundational research supported by these federal agencies is disrupted, Americans will experience long-term setbacks in innovation and discovery.

“History demonstrates that every major technological breakthrough—from aviation to the internet—originates from curiosity and rigorous inquiry,” noted Robert Powell, SCU Executive Director.

As a multidisciplinary STEM field, UAP research promises to unlock significant advancements in physics, engineering, and materials science. Investing in scientific exploration can lead to revolutionary discoveries in areas like space exploration, national defense, and advanced aeronautics, ultimately boosting the economy and improving quality of life for all Americans.

The SCU calls on policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to defend American science