Dear American Society for Nutrition Members:
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) has serious concerns with the recent executive actions that have negatively impacted members of ASN and the field of nutrition research. The significant loss of personnel at many federal agencies that support nutrition research, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and hiring freezes at federal agencies and institutions of higher learning represent a significant loss of knowledge and passion that undermines many critical areas of nutrition research. Research efforts that were addressing many of our nation’s most vexing challenges, including combating nutrition-related chronic diseases, a focus of this Administration, are now terminated. ASN is particularly concerned about the detrimental impact on the next generation of nutrition researchers.
While ASN supports the concept of improved government efficiency, this loss of talent and unique expertise, as well as research advances, will seriously jeopardize the U.S.’ capacity to remain at the forefront of scientific research, and any efforts to achieve the Administration’s nutrition goals. ASN strongly urges the Administration to consider how these actions will negatively impact our nation’s research endeavors and the scientific research enterprise for years to come.
To our members, we support all who have been impacted, and we continue to let policymakers know what these changes mean for the advancement of nutrition science and for you, the researchers. We’re providing the latest information through our policy bulletin in this quickly evolving policy landscape. Stay strong! We urge you to continue your personal efforts to advance credible nutrition science during this time. Your voice matters!
Sincerely,
John E. Courtney, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
American Society for Nutrition
