Assessing Challenges for U.S.-Based Polar Early Career Scientists During Science Policy Changes

Fairuz Ishraque, Mohammad Afzal Shadab , Kevin Shionalyn, Neosha Gupta Narayanan, Meghan Schaberg, Shreyas Sunil Gaikwad, Izuchukwu Ezukanma, Olga Lauter, John A Higgins

Early-career researchers (ECRs) play a critical role in sustaining polar and cryosphere research in the United States. Since January 2025, changes in U.S. science policy and federal research funding have created substantial uncertainty for researchers, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. To assess the impacts of these changes, we conducted a community-driven survey of U.S.-based polar and cryosphere ECRs examining concerns related to science policy, research funding, career trajectories, and workforce retention. Survey responses indicate widespread concern regarding recent changes in science policy and funding, with many respondents reporting negative effects on research productivity, motivation, and mental well-being. Respondents also expressed concern regarding future employment opportunities and the long-term health of the scientific enterprise. A substantial proportion reported considering employment opportunities outside the United States, leaving academia, or leaving polar and cryosphere research altogether. At the same time, respondents identified potential pathways for retention, including stable research funding, mentorship, professional support, and reversal of recent funding reductions. These findings provide a timely assessment of workforce sentiment during a period of rapid policy change and highlight factors that may influence the future sustainability of the U.S. polar and cryospheric research community.