NASA eliminates chief scientist office, 2 departments as part of reorganization

By Asiye Latife Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - NASA announced it has eliminated its chief scientist office and two other departments as part of cost-cutting measures aligned with the Trump administration’s federal efficiency drive.

A memo Monday from Acting Administrator Janet Petro said the space agency is making phased reductions as part of an upcoming reorganization effort in coordination with the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

“We will close NASA's Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, the Office of the Chief Scientist, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch in the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, along with reducing their workforce,” said Petro.

Around 20 NASA employees, including chief scientist and climate expert Katharine Calvin who was appointed by former President Joe Biden to lead climate efforts, are affected by the cuts, with their final workday on April 10.

The chief scientist at NASA, which advises top officials on strategic planning, has existed since 1982, though it was eliminated in 2005 and reinstated in 2011. Calvin, the 11th to hold the position, has no budget authority, and the role is separate from the associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, Nicola Fox.

“I know this news is difficult and may affect us all differently. Change of this magnitude is never easy, but our strength comes from our shared commitment to our mission and each other. I remain grateful for your professionalism and resilience, and I encourage you to support one another as we move forward. Embrace the Challenge,” Petro added.