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UCSD students protest Trump cuts to science research funding
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — For the second time this year, students and faculty at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) staged a protest outside Geisel Library, demanding the federal government reverse deep education funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration — cuts they say are threatening research, jobs and the future of scientific innovation.
Dozens of protesters gathered on campus, holding signs and sharing personal stories about how the loss of federal research grants is impacting their work and well-being.
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'This year has been filled with many moments of insecurity,' said Eleanor Ketterer-Sykes, a first-year Ph.D. student in the neuroscience program. 'UCSD is one of the best science schools in the country because of its renowned research labs, you have access to labs at the Salk Institute, Sanford and Scripps as well as the VA Hospital — but that future is in jeopardy.'
The Trump administration has canceled hundreds of research grants in recent months, citing concerns over 'ideologically driven science.' The cuts have targeted studies ranging from HIV prevention to violence prevention in children.
UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla warned in an April letter that the university stands to lose between $75 million and $500 million annually as a result.
'As of May 30, there have been more than 150 federal grants terminated, resulting in a loss of $30 million,' said Lisa Eyler, a UCSD psychiatry professor. 'These cuts are already leading to layoffs among instructors, staff scientists, and support personnel like librarians.'
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The ripple effects could be felt beyond UCSD. Stanley Maloy, emeritus professor of microbiology at San Diego State University, said the cuts threaten the pipeline of future scientists and engineers.
'Reduced positions mean talented students are left behind,' Maloy said. 'As this innovation workforce dries up, our economy is going to suffer.'
Eyler echoed those concerns, warning of a generational loss in scientific progress.
'There will be a gaping hole in the pipeline of future scientists, engineers and healthcare providers, which could result in the potential loss of an entire generation of great scientific thinkers,' she said.
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For Ketterer-Sykes, the issue is personal. She entered the neuroscience program hoping to make life-saving breakthroughs.
'So many people rely on scientific innovation — whether it be to find cures for diseases like tuberculosis or Alzheimer's disease,' she said. 'It really is vital to humanity.'
While the exact financial toll remains uncertain, university leaders say the impact is already being felt — and may only get worse.
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