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Indian-American NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan resigns
“I believe I have done all I can to advance the critical mission of the agency,” he said.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 25, Apr 2025
- 16:02 EDT
- 178
National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan / Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University
Sethuraman Panchanathan, the Director of the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) resigned on April 25 with immediate effect, citing a desire to "pass the baton to new leadership."
Panchanathan, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2020, is departing the NSF amid substantial budget cuts and organizational overhauls.
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“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Director of NSF for the last five years,” Panchanathan said in a public statement. “I believe I have done all I can to advance the critical mission of the agency and feel that it is time for me to pass the baton to new leadership.”
His resignation coincides with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) directive that seeks to axe the NSF budget by more than half—approximately $4.95 billion—alongside significant staff reductions. More than 380 research grants have been terminated as a result, particularly those related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and misinformation, accounting for $233 million in NSF research funding cuts.
Despite the political and financial pressures surrounding his departure, the National Science Board (NSB)—which oversees NSF policy—issued a statement praising Panchanathan’s leadership.
“One word describes Panchanathan’s deep dedication to the National Science Foundation and what he accomplished as Director: fantastic,” the NSB said. “Director Panchanathan’s energy and passion is unmatched. Whether he was testifying before Congress or interacting with STEM students, his exuberance for science and engineering and NSF’s mission of fueling U.S. innovation was always evident.”
“From TIP to AI institutes, to internal modernizations and countless small things benefitting science and engineering, Director Panchanathan’s legacy will endure and prove transformational,” the Board added.
During his tenure, Panchanathan oversaw the launch of the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP)—NSF’s first new directorate in 30 years—focused on promoting technological development and economic growth in underserved U.S. regions. He also led the creation of 27 artificial intelligence research institutes, initiated regional innovation engines under TIP, and introduced the GRANTED program to expand access to federal research funding.
Prior to leading the NSF, Panchanathan served six years on the National Science Board. The Indian American holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
NSF Chief of Staff Brian Stone will serve as acting director in the interim.
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