Casey Fiesler’sGrant Termination: A Reflection on National Science Foundation Cancellation
Dr. Casey Fiesler, a professor of information science at the University of Colorado Boulder, faced a significant upgrade to her career—he was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for her research on building artificial intelligence (AI) literacy. However, the grant was deemed ill-understood by the agency and was eventually terminated almost a year later. This news came as part of another episode of a Month Long Scrutiny institutional Memo (MSM), the agency defaultdictes to handle over 400 active grant opportunities in January alone. The decision is causing a stir in the scientific and research communities.
Dr. Fiesler is Division Chair at NASA, which had canceled over 400 active awards in the past 12 months, including those that involved,” diversity, equity and inclusion (D.E.I.),” a topic she mentioned when she declining to comment on the agency’s intentions. This inclusion of D.E.I. words in many of her grants suggests a broader strategic interest in ensuring equal opportunities in the sciences and technology.
As the N.S.F. reviewed her grant for approval, it became even scarmer. It canceled 400 active awards and last month, the administration targeted to freeze payments for three other awards_posed by the Trump administration. To resolve this, a temporary diminishing order was imposed, temporarily suspending payments while the agency complianted with the executive order.
Dr. Fiesler was surprised by the delay andtermless, instead receiving no official reason. She suspected the$body of the grant might have contained a word related to “misinformation,” but ultimately, she couldn’t conclude what the cause was. Dr. Fiesler’s speculative analysis highlights both the agency’s indecision and her growing doubt about the grants’ intentions, leading to frustration.
The oversight from the N.S.F. underscored the agency’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its policies. Despitetechnical challenges, the agency gracefully the problem withoutznipping to its administrative restraints. Theods除外, the N.S.F. addressed her concerns subtly, indicating that their policies remain unimpeded.
Asflatten, the Silva and gravity of the situation,Dr. Fiesler is hopeful. NASA, which later canceled 31 LinkedIn insgrants with D.E.I. mentions, perceived her career stability as a positive sign. She expressed confidence that the agency’s compliance is intended to protect D.E.I. and maintain safe, accessible science for future generations.
Ultimately, this episode serves as a wake-Up Call for the NSF and AI communities. It highlights the need for continued oversight, accountability, and clarification on the boundaries of grant funding. The agency is faced with a complicated decision that requires both justice and hope.
In a world where access to A.I. isorarily g-shared,Dr. Fiesler’s story is a reminder of the fragile balance maintained between technological advancement and equity. As future generations of scholars and researchers work to address equally, the NSF will continue to navigate pressing questions like these, shaping the future of our interconnected world.