Five things to know about NSF’s new rules on merit review

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has implemented new rules on merit review that may reduce external input and feedback, raising concerns about the quality and inclusiveness of scientific evaluation. Specific changes include a reduction in outside reviewers, which stakeholders fear could narrow perspectives in the evaluation process, affecting funding decisions and the landscape of scientific research. The author argues against the notion that streamlining the review process will enhance efficiency, suggesting instead that it may lead to a lack of diverse viewpoints essential for innovation. This discussion highlights ongoing tensions in the scientific community regarding the balance between efficiency and inclusivity in research funding. The implications of these changes are expected to resonate in future discussions about science policy and funding.