Science in 2026: what to expect this year
More refined AI models, advancements in human gene editing and the continuing impact of the Trump Team on science — we run through what to look out for over the next 12 months.
How Trump 2.0 is reshaping science
Explore Nature’s coverage of the Trump administration and its impact on science globally.
AI and quantum science take centre stage under Trump — but with little new proposed funding
The US administration is banking on public–private partnerships and an expanded workforce to deliver progress, but critics say that this strategy could be offset by other US policies.
US–Africa bilateral health deals won’t help against diseases that ignore borders
The COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola, mpox and AIDS all show the importance of strengthening Africa-wide surveillance and response systems that protect everyone.
Science in 2026: the events to watch for in the coming year
The rise of AI scientists, missions to explore the moons of Earth and Mars and a massive ocean-floor drill are among the developments set to shape research in 2026.
Trump team plans to break up ‘global mothership’ of climate science
Much of the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s non-climate portfolio will be dispersed, the White House says.
Scientists skip key US meetings — and seize on smaller alternatives
Researchers are devising creative ways to get together as Trump’s policies curb travel to US gatherings.
NSF softens grant-review rules to cope with backlog
Agency staff members say that the changes are reasonable, but they are worried about the potential effects on review.
Grant cuts, arrests, lay-offs: Trump made 2025 a tumultuous year for science
How the Trump administration caused seismic disruptions to the world’s premier scientific superpower.
How 2025 showcased the power and resilience of science
There were huge disruptions to the global scientific enterprise this year — but immense bright spots for health, discovery, innovation and research collaboration.
The top US health director who stood up for science — and was fired
Susan Monarez is part of Nature’s 10, a list of people who shaped science in 2025.