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NSF cancels over 400 grants covering disinformation, deepfakes and STEM education


Some $328 million worth of research grants to institutions was canned amid a broader restructuring of the National Science Foundation. Disinformation research and empowerment of underprivileged people in STEM fields were prime targets.

Many of the grants were centered on improving STEM education and access for minority and underserved students, among a myriad of other topics that dovetail into diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which have been vilified by the Trump White House. In the event of a termination of funding already awarded, another review process is initiated to find evidence that the project isn’t complying to relevant terms and conditions, which includes an option for the awardees to appeal the decision. Representatives from Local 3403 branch of the American Federation of Government Employees union echoed these sentiments, telling Nextgov/FCW that the lack of transparency surrounding funding cancellation leaves both internal NSF officers and the general public confused.

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