NSF interim leader Brian Stone plans to retire with successor unclear

Brian Stone plans to leave the NSF by year-end, according to a memo sent to staff.

Stone has led the U.S. National Science Foundation on an interim basis since April 2025, after its previous director resigned.

President Donald Trump’s nominee, James O’Neill, has not had a Senate confirmation hearing, leaving the agency’s next leader uncertain.

The memo says Stone will work with the White House on who will lead from January 1 if O’Neill’s nomination is still pending.

It also reportedly says chief of staff Rebecca Keiser will leave, but the NSF has not confirmed that.

The leadership change comes amid wider turbulence at the agency, including the Trump administration’s dismissal of all 22 members of its science advisory board in April.

That board helps guide the distribution of about $9 billion in annual NSF funding, and the agency says it will announce leadership updates as they become available.