Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant impact of funding cuts on the research ecosystem in the United States, particularly at UCLA, where even top mathematicians like Terence Tao are affected by the inability to secure research funding and salaries [2][4][5]. Funding Cuts and Their Impact - On July 25, 2023, the U.S. government abruptly suspended funding from agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to UCLA, amounting to $500 million [4]. - Although a federal court restored some funding on August 12, the actual disbursement of funds did not occur until early September [5]. - The funding cuts have severely affected graduate students, who rely on these resources for attending academic conferences and advancing their careers [6][21]. Research Ecosystem Disruption - The article discusses how the funding interruptions have led to the cancellation of ongoing research projects and a reduction in scholarships for training the next generation of scientists [12][15]. - The NSF's funding cuts have particularly impacted UCLA, disrupting the research environment and depriving students of essential early career opportunities [15][16]. Personal Experiences and Concerns - Terence Tao expresses concern for his students over his own financial situation, emphasizing the importance of funding for their academic and professional development [6][12]. - The article notes that Tao has had to shift his focus from research to fundraising, which is not a sustainable way to operate a world-class scientific institution [7][17]. Broader Implications - The article reflects on the psychological impact of funding instability on students, who may struggle to focus on their research due to financial uncertainties [23]. - Tao's uncertainty about remaining in the U.S. due to these funding issues indicates a broader concern among academics regarding the future of research in the country [24].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the severe impact of funding cuts on scientific research in the U.S., particularly at UCLA, where even top mathematicians like Terence Tao are struggling to secure funding for their research and students [2][4][5]. Funding Cuts and Their Impact - On July 25, 2023, the U.S. government abruptly suspended funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to UCLA, amounting to $500 million [4]. - Although a federal court restored some funding on August 12, the funds had not yet been disbursed by early September [5]. - The funding cuts have led to significant disruptions in ongoing research projects and have severely affected graduate students' opportunities for academic development [12][21]. Personal Experiences and Concerns - Terence Tao expressed greater concern for his students than for himself, emphasizing that the funding is crucial for their participation in academic conferences and career development [6][12]. - Tao has had to shift his focus from research to fundraising activities due to the funding crisis [7][19]. Broader Implications for the Research Ecosystem - The article discusses how the cuts have eroded the independence of the research ecosystem, with many ongoing projects being abruptly halted [12][15]. - Tao noted that the NSF's funding has historically facilitated collaboration between universities, laboratories, and industry, which is essential for scientific advancement [14]. Psychological Impact on Students - The funding instability creates an environment of uncertainty, negatively affecting students' mental health and their ability to focus on research [23]. - Tao highlighted that the loss of funding directly impacts students' scholarships and research assistant positions, which are vital for their livelihoods [21][22]. Future Considerations - In an interview, Tao expressed uncertainty about his future in the U.S. academic landscape, indicating a potential shift in his perspective on remaining in the country due to the funding issues [24].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of the Trump administration's freeze on federal funding for U.S. universities, particularly affecting research at UCLA, including the work of Fields Medalist Terence Tao [4][7]. Funding Freeze Impact - Since April, the Trump administration has frozen federal funding for U.S. universities, with UCLA's research team being significantly affected [4]. - The National Science Foundation (NSF) has suspended nearly 300 grants to UCLA, impacting various research areas including computer science and plasma physics [4][6]. - NIH funding for UCLA exceeded $500 million in 2024, and the NSF has paused $25 million for the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM) [7][8]. Institutional Responses - UCLA's president expressed disappointment over the funding freeze, stating that halting life-saving research does not address discrimination issues [7]. - Other universities, like Columbia and Brown, have reached agreements with the Trump administration to restore funding, while Harvard continues to resist [9][10]. Broader Context - The funding freeze is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to enforce compliance with federal civil rights laws, particularly regarding anti-Semitism [7]. - The financial strain on universities has led some, like Stanford, to consider issuing bonds to raise funds [9].