Thomas Killian’s first experience with scientific discovery came during his undergraduate years when he analyzed the absorption spectra of reactive hydrocarbon molecules. This foundational research, while seemingly niche, had profound implications for understanding the potential for a chemical origin of life in deep space. That moment ignited a lifelong passion for fundamental science and its ability to answer humanity’s most profound questions.
Now dean of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences at Rice University, Killian is raising the alarm about the consequences of funding cuts that threaten scientific progress. Federal reductions in research support, particularly through agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation, could stall advancements in medicine, technology and national security. Killian argues that cutting back on science is not just a setback for universities — it’s a setback for society.
“We are witnessing disruptions in current federal grants, threats to drastically cut support for essential indirect costs of research and indiscriminate actions that could cripple federal funding agencies,” Killian said. “Without continued financial support, critical advancements in medicine and science may be hindered, impacting lives and eroding a major driver of the long-term growth of the American economy.”
For Killian, the greatest concern is the impact on students — the next generation of scientists.
“I feel for the students most,” Killian said. “They’re at the beginning of their careers, trying to figure out how to make their contributions to society. They’ve prepared themselves and worked hard to be part of the scientific community.”
Lifeline of scientific discovery
Universities have long served as the bedrock of innovation, producing breakthroughs that shape the modern world. From the mapping of the human genome to the invention of magnetic resonance imaging, much of today’s technological progress stems from federally funded academic research.
The current administration’s proposed reductions in overhead cost reimbursements through the NIH have raised concerns among research institutions. If implemented, these cuts would remove essential support for the U.S. scientific enterprise, which has been the envy of the world, Killian said.
Legal challenges have temporarily stalled some of these reductions, but a sustained loss of NIH funding would directly impact research nationwide, including work that will improve health care.
“We are doing scientific research at Rice that lays the foundation for solving big problems in health and developing new technologies that will continue to lead to advances, some of which we can’t even conceive of yet,” Killian said. “If you cut or eliminate this, it threatens the continual advancement of our society.”
Broader impact of funding cuts
Technological breakthroughs often originate from university-based research programs, but the benefits of scientific research extend beyond academia. Much of the proposed funding cuts would disrupt progress in medical treatments, for example.
At Rice, that includes the work of James Tour, the T.T. and W.F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, who has pioneered research in nanoelectronics and carbon nanovectors for medical applications. His development of molecular jackhammers — nanomachines capable of killing cancer cells — demonstrates the lifesaving potential of university-based research. Moreover, scientists including Tour are repurposing a drug to protect healthy tissue, making high-dose radiation safer. This breakthrough in pancreatic cancer treatment could save lives.
World-renowned chemist Kyriacos Costa “K.C.” Nicolaou, the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor of Chemistry, has made significant contributions to medical research through his expertise in chemical synthesis. With nearly 200 synthesized naturally occurring molecules, his work has advanced cancer treatments and other medical applications, reinforcing the importance of sustained research funding.
Researchers including biochemist Natasha Kirienko, associate professor of biosciences and a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Scholar, have discovered potential new drugs that work in concert with other drugs to deliver a deadly one-two punch to leukemia. Mitophagy-inducing drugs could weaken leukemia cells and make them more susceptible to chemotherapy.
Pushing the frontiers of knowledge
Scientific exploration is not solely about practical applications — it is also about answering fundamental questions that help us understand the natural world.
“The discoveries that may not ever have a practical advantage — or maybe they will, and we just don’t know what it is — are equally as important,” Killian said.
Research at Rice seeks to expand knowledge in ways that may one day revolutionize life on Earth and beyond. That includes work by David Alexander, professor of physics and astronomy and director of the Rice Space Institute, on understanding the influence of a star’s magnetic field on the habitable zone for planets, which has significant implications for potential life beyond Earth. It also includes exploring the role of artificial intelligence in space exploration — a domain poised to drive scientific discovery, economic growth and technological advancements — highlighted by Sanjoy Paul, executive director of Rice Nexus.
“In addition to science for applications, it’s also important to continue to expand and push the frontiers of knowledge for its own sake,” Killian said. “As human beings, we have an innate curiosity and drive to explore and understand our place in the universe. Continuing to do basic, fundamental science research answers that call.”
A call to protect science
Programs designed to improve access and diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are also under threat, further jeopardizing the future of innovation.
“Access to scientific education and careers must remain open to all,” Killian said. “Science must be inclusive because progress depends on a wide range of perspectives and experiences.”
Moreover, scientific advances take decades to materialize. The study of atomic interactions with light at the beginning of the 20th century led to the invention of lasers, now critical in countless technologies. Investigations into material properties paved the way for semiconductors and transistors, innovations that took time to develop but now power modern electronics.
Looking ahead, understanding the climate’s response to a warming world and its impact on natural disasters is essential for mitigating environmental crises, including research by Sylvia Dee, assistant professor of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences, on improving projections of extreme droughts and floods.
“The work we do is necessary for us to maintain the health of our communities,” Killian said.
As political pressures on science and higher education intensify, Killian is calling for civic engagement and advocacy. “Scientists, educators and the public must stand together to defend the role of research in society,” he said.
Without sustained investment and support, the progress of the past century may be at risk. “A strong nation must be a leader in science and technology, and these moves undermine our future prosperity and security,” Killian said. “What took generations to build can quickly be lost.”