This analysis examines the sentiment and substance of media coverage of the National Science
Foundation in over 3,800 articles published from January 2025 through January 2026. It explores
how a range of media sources — magazines, newspapers, and other news outlets as well as
television stations, radio stations, and university websites — have portrayed the agency’s broader
impacts and value amidst budget cuts and project terminations. While media coverage often
focuses on the “Intellectual Merit” of scientific achievements, this analysis focuses on NSF’s
“Broader Impacts” — the tangible benefits to society that matter most to the public including
improvements in daily life and stronger communities.

This series is organized around six key Broader Impacts dimensions:

• Economic Competitiveness and Innovation

• National Security

• STEM Education

• Workforce Development

• Societal Well-being

• Research Infrastructure

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The findings illustrate that NSF remains a vital engine for maintaining America’s strength, fostering
innovation, and building a foundation for families to thrive across every state.