Communicating Science Funding Cuts

What happens when the words “diversity” and “gender” are scrubbed from public science content, and trusted communicators are let go without warning? Across the U.S., science communicators are grappling with a new reality shaped by shifting priorities and deep science funding cuts.

In our episode “Navigating Uncertainty in Science Communication” on the SayoStudio Science Podcast, we talk with Ashley Hackett, a former Communications Specialist at NIH. With a background in journalism and science writing, Ashley shares her perspective on the evolving landscape of science communication and the impact of recent shifts in federal science funding. From her work with the Office of Data Science Strategy to her role at the NIH Office of AIDS Research, Ashley has spent years translating complex science into public-facing narratives that inform and inspire.

Together with SayoStudio’s Founder Nicolle Fuller and Art Director Claire Agosti, Ashley reflects on her role as a translator of complex research, how her work supported public understanding, and how broader policy changes are now reshaping the day-to-day work of science communicators and researchers alike.

Translating Science for Clarity

Ashley came to science communication through journalism, where she specialized in translating complex political and scientific topics for general audiences. “As a journalist,” she explained, “I always saw myself as doing a kind of translation.” At the NIH, this skill became especially important—helping explain HIV vaccine trials, protein research, and policy implications in accessible language.

At the NIH, this skill was especially valuable. She worked to explain HIV vaccine trials and health research in accessible language. Over time, she found that visual and written communication were increasingly intertwined. Collaborating closely with researchers is key, not just to interpret their work, but to shape how it is presented.

This collaborative process is something we’ve seen at SayoStudio as well. Visuals and messaging often evolve together, reinforcing each other to deliver clear, accurate science communication.

Science in a Shifting Landscape

In February, Ashley’s team was asked to make rapid changes to publicly available resources to remove words like “diversity” and “gender” from NIH web content. Soon after, Ashley and many others—particularly probationary employees—were let go as part of a widespread administrative directive affecting staff across federal science agencies. Although Ashley had received strong performance reviews, she was classified as probationary under a disability hiring clause, which made her vulnerable to removal.

Ashley’s story is one of many. She describes how these changes have affected not just jobs, but also the tools and data available to support ongoing research. Pages were taken offline. Grants were paused or canceled. Some programs, especially those connected to global public health, have lost critical support.

Communicating Science Cuts Real World Impact

Ashley pointed to recent figures showing an estimated $1.8 billion in NIH funding reductions, including programs supporting cancer research, child immunization, and infectious disease response. These changes, while not always immediately visible, will have long-term effects on both research progress and public health outcomes.

One program she highlighted was PEPFAR, which provides antiretroviral therapy (ART) in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia. While PEPFAR isn’t part of NIH (USAID program), Ashley’s office worked closely with its teams due to overlapping missions in HIV/AIDS care and treatment.

The program has helped reduce perinatal HIV transmission and provided critical care for children and families. The impact of reduced support is already being felt on the ground. It’s estimated that 100,000 deaths result from a 90-day pause in funding (Read more on HIV support reductions impact). A recent analysis reported in the journal Lancet estimates that cancellation of PEPFAR in 55 countries may lead to 16 million deaths and 26 million new HIV infections by 2040.

Staying Connected and Speaking Up

Since leaving NIH, Ashley has used her background in journalism and public communication to share her story more broadly. She’s spoken with news outlets, participated in meetings with lawmakers, and used social media to help others understand the evolving challenges in science policy and communication.

Her advice for those looking to support science?

• Stay informed.
• Speak up.
• Reach out to representatives.

She recommends tools like the Five Calls app, which makes it easy to connect with policymakers and share your thoughts on issues that matter. We have a full list of resources at the end of this article.

Looking Ahead

Our conversation with Ashley reminds us of the vital role communication plays in science. Not just in sharing discoveries, but in advocating for the systems and people that make research possible. As the science community navigates these changes, supporting each other and amplifying informed voices is more important than ever. To working in science communication, research, or policy, we see you, and we’re grateful for the work you do.

You can listen to the full episode of the SayoStudio Science Podcast on our YouTube channel, where Ashley shares more about her experience and reflects on the current state of science communication.

If you’re looking for more context on how science funding cuts are affecting researchers across fields, and where to find support, read our companion blog post:
👉 The Broader Impact of Science Funding Cuts—and What Scientists Can Do

Below is a list of links to trusted resources, tools for advocacy, and articles highlighting ongoing funding changes:

• Stand up for science – resources
• Friends Committee on National Legislation organization
• Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare
  •  info@strengthenhealthcare.org
  • Healthcare advocacy group with one-click emails to reps
• Research!America
  • Nonprofit advocating for medical and health research funding. Offers tools for contacting Congress and staying up to date on science policy issues.
• AAAS Force for Science
  • A public initiative by the American Association for the Advancement of Science promoting evidence-based policymaking and science education.
• Union of Concerned Scientists – Take Action
  • Offers petitions, campaigns, and policy action alerts focused on climate, health, and environmental science.

You can read Ashley’s writing by subscribing to her newsletter Throughlines or reach out to her through her website for writing services.