NASA is eliminating its chief scientist role and closing two offices, affecting 23 employees.

WORLD NEWS By Aniket Chakraborty Mar 18, 2025 Arrow

The closures include the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Office of Science, Policy, and Strategy, and a diversity branch.

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NASA has maintained a chief scientist position for decades, except for a period between 2005-2011.

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Current Chief Scientist Katherine Calvin and Chief Technologist A.C. Charania will be departing as part of these cuts.

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The changes are part of President Trump's government cost-cutting initiative following his return to office.

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NASA retains its Science Mission Directorate associate administrator who oversees science missions.

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Many of NASA's 18,000 employees have expressed anxiety over the Trump administration's efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy.

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The restructuring is being led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.

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NASA has been working with the Office of Personnel Management to implement Trump's January executive order on workforce reduction.

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Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro announced the changes via email to employees on Monday.

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