The coming hurricane: early-career physicists and the crisis in American science

At the American Physical Society’s Global Physics Summit in Denver, the choice of sessions was both overwhelming and thought-provoking. With parallel talks covering a wide range of topics, attendees faced the challenge of deciding which sessions to prioritize. For me, the decision was particularly poignant: should I delve into the troubling realities of "The Crisis in American Science" or seek solace in the innovative efforts of "How Early-Career Physicists Are Solving Society’s Greatest Challenges"? The scheduling coincidence of these sessions being held in adjacent rooms added a layer of irony, as if the organizers were highlighting the tension between despair and hope in the world of physics.

In the end, I opted to attend both sessions, hoping to strike a balance between the grim realities and the promising potential of the next generation of scientists. The early-career physicists session began with a talk by Rosimar Rios-Berrios, a physicist-turned-atmospheric scientist at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. NCAR, known for its iconic Mesa Laboratory designed by architect I.M. Pei, is a hub for hundreds of scientists studying weather and climate. Rios-Berrios, originally from Puerto Rico, focused her presentation on a critical issue for island nations and coastal communities: hurricanes.

Hurricanes, these powerful storms that can transform from gentle breezes into devastating natural disasters, have long been a subject of intense study. Rios-Berrios aims to unravel the atmospheric processes that lead to such transformations. In particular, she is interested in understanding the conditions under which seemingly innocuous weather patterns give rise to catastrophic events like Hurricane Maria in 2017, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives in Puerto Rico, or Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which devastated parts of Jamaica.

In previous research, a specific type of atmospheric wave known as a convectively coupled Kelvin wave has been identified as a potential marker of developing tropical cyclones. These waves, which occur in the tropics, are thought to play a crucial role in the formation of hurricanes. However, Rios-Berrios’s work seeks to delve deeper into the complex interactions between these waves and the broader atmospheric conditions that can trigger or inhibit the development of hurricanes.

By examining the interplay between atmospheric waves and environmental factors, Rios-Berrios hopes to improve our understanding of hurricane formation and potentially enhance the accuracy of weather forecasting models. This, in turn, could lead to better preparedness and more effective response strategies for communities at risk from these destructive storms.

Meanwhile, the parallel session on "The Crisis in American Science" painted a starker picture. The discussion highlighted systemic issues within the scientific community, including declining funding, a shortage of qualified researchers, and a lack of diversity in the workforce. These challenges, if left unaddressed, could have profound implications for the future of American science and its ability to tackle pressing global problems.

The juxtaposition of these two sessions underscored the urgent need for action. While early-career physicists like Rios-Berrios are demonstrating remarkable potential to address critical issues, the broader scientific ecosystem in America faces significant hurdles. The crisis in American science could stifle innovation and limit the nation’s capacity to lead in scientific discovery.

In the face of these challenges, it is crucial to support and invest in the next generation of scientists. By fostering an inclusive and well-funded research environment, the United States can ensure that its scientific community remains vibrant and competitive. This, in turn, will enable physicists and other scientists to continue making groundbreaking discoveries and developing solutions to the complex problems facing our world.

As the Global Physics Summit concluded, it was clear that the future of American science hinges on the balance between nurturing promising young talent and addressing the systemic issues that threaten the field. Only by addressing these dual concerns can the United States continue to be a leader in scientific advancement and ensure that its researchers have the tools and support they need to make a meaningful impact.