Trump-appointed National Science Foundation Leader Resigns

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan abruptly resigned Thursday afternoon, more than a year before the end of his term.

"I believe that I have done all I can to advance the mission of the agency and feel that it is time for me to pass the baton to new leadership," Panchanathan said in an all-staff memo obtained by POLITICO's E&E News.

Brian Stone, the director's chief of staff, will lead the agency on an interim basis.

Panchanathan didn't fully explain the reason for his exit. But his departure comes amid a governmentwide downsizing effort that has seen the scientific research funding agency lay off staff, cancel grants and sharply restrict travel.

"This is a pivotal moment for our nation in terms of global competitiveness," he wrote in the staff memo. "A thoughtful approach to efficiencies and investments is incredibly important."

Panchanathan has also been juggling those changes while caring for his ailing mother, according to several people at the agency.

NSF declined to respond to questions about the leadership change, instead sending an abbreviated version of Panchanathan's internal memo.

House Science, Space and Technology ranking member Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) praised Panchanathan for his work implementing the CHIPS and Science Act, responding to Covid-19 and curbing sexual harassment at the agency but lamented the circumstances of his departure.

"Director Panchanathan’s contributions to the scientific enterprise in the first five years of his tenure are vanishing before our eyes thanks to President Trump's anti-science crusade, and the damage will take decades to undo," she said in a statement.

Panchanathan was originally nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate in June 2020 to a six-year term. He previously served as Arizona State University's chief research and innovation officer.

Reporter Robin Bravender contributed.