Dr. Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan announced on April 24, 2025 his decision to “step down as Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), effective today.” He was in the fifth year of his six year appointment.
Dr. Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan, 15th Director of the National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation/Photo by Stephen Voss – Public Domain
Dr. Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan was appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump as Director of the National Science Foundation in June of 2020. He was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on June 18, 2020 after his December 2019 nomination by President Donald J. Trump.
Prior to his appointment as NSF Director, Panchanathan spent more than 20 years in leadership positions at Arizona State University, including service as Executive Vice President of ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise and Chief Research and Technology Officer for ASU.
At the time of his appointment as NSF Director, ASU announced that Panchanathan will be taking an extended leave of absence from ASU as he serves this six-year appointment.
Statement by Director Sethuraman Panchanathan on his departure
“Today, I am announcing my decision to step down as Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), effective today. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Director of NSF for the last five years. I believe I have done all I can to advance the critical mission of the agency and feel that it is time for me to pass the baton to new leadership.
I came to NSF inspired by its mission, with a desire to serve the scientific community alongside the exceptional people of the agency. This has motivated me every day over the last five years. I have always believed that innovation and opportunities must be unleashed everywhere at speed and scale, thereby nurturing talent in every corner of our great nation. This will ensure we remain competitive and innovative on a global scale.
This is a pivotal moment for our nation in terms of global competitiveness. NSF is an extremely important investment to make U.S. scientific dominance a reality. We must not lose our competitive edge.
I am deeply grateful to both Presidents for the opportunity to serve our nation. I am also thankful for the strong bipartisan support of Congress and the tireless efforts of the amazing staff at NSF. I wish the very best for the agency and will always look proudly at the numerous accomplishments and impact we have had.”
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