Science

Reportedly, NSF head Brian Stone to retire with no clear successor

Scientific American reports that interim head Brian Stone is set to retire, while nominee James O'Neill awaits a Senate hearing.

Updated Oct 21, 2026 · 22:14 UTC1 reports

The short version

Scientific American reports interim NSF head Brian Stone is set to retire effective December 31, according to a staff memo.[Scientific American]
No successor is clear, since nominee James O'Neill has not had a Senate confirmation hearing.[Scientific American]
Acting chief of staff Rebecca Keiser is also reported to depart, according to the same memo.[Scientific American]
The agency has faced turbulence since the administration fired all 22 science advisory board members in April.[Scientific American]

Interim NSF head Brian Stone is reportedly set to retire, effective December 31, according to a memo obtained by journalist Dan Garisto.[Scientific American]
Stone has led the NSF on an interim basis since April 2025, after the resignation of Sethuraman Panchanathan.[Scientific American]
President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the NSF, James O'Neill, has not yet had a Senate confirmation hearing.[Scientific American]
Acting NSF chief of staff Rebecca Keiser is reportedly set to depart as well.[Scientific American]
NSF spokesperson Mike England said Stone served the agency for 26 years, including 18 months performing the duties of NSF Director.[Scientific American]
The Trump administration fired all 22 members of the NSF science advisory board in April.[Scientific American]

The December 31 retirement date and Keiser's departure rest on a reported memo, not an announcement confirmed by the agency.[Scientific American]
It is unclear who will perform the duties of NSF Director after Stone leaves, since the nomination remains pending.[Scientific American]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.