July 2026

AERA continues its efforts to protect federally supported education research and the integrity of the scientific enterprise following the National Science Foundation's (NSF) termination of research grants and changes in agency priorities.

In 2025, AERA joined other scientific and higher education organizations in filing a lawsuit challenging the National Science Foundation's termination of research awards. The case is part of AERA's broader advocacy to protect federal investment in research, preserve the integrity and independence of the scientific enterprise, and ensure that funding decisions are guided by rigorous merit review rather than shifting political priorities.

As the legal case progresses, AERA recently conducted a confidential survey to gather additional information from education researchers and members of the broader research community about the continuing and future impacts of NSF grant terminations on research, careers, and the nation's scientific enterprise.

The survey builds on AERA’s 2025 effort to collect information from principal investigators and co-principal investigators whose NSF awards had been terminated. The latest survey expanded that effort to include researchers whose grants were not directly terminated but who have experienced broader impacts, including changes to research plans, grant-seeking behavior, collaborations, career trajectories, students and trainees, or areas of inquiry.

The survey closed on June 29, and AERA is now reviewing the responses and compiling information that will help document the ongoing impacts of NSF grant terminations and related policy changes. Information collected through the survey will be used in aggregate and de-identified form.

“AERA is committed to advancing science and protecting the independence and integrity of research in education and in all fields,” said AERA Executive Director Tabbye Chavous. “The experiences shared by researchers provide critical insight into the consequences of these actions and will help inform our continued efforts to protect the research enterprise.”

"Federal support for research is essential to advancing knowledge, preparing the next generation of researchers, and addressing challenges facing students and society," Chavous said. "The nation's ability to generate new knowledge depends on a research enterprise that is adequately supported, independent, and guided by scientific merit."