Departures

• Google is reportedly set to lose two more senior AI researchers to its rival startup, Anthropic. • These departures follow a series of high-profile exits, intensifying the competition for top-tier artificial intelligence talent. • The trend raises significant concerns regarding Google's ability to retain the key contributors responsible for developing its Gemini AI models.

• A STAT national survey reveals NIH funding interruptions are causing layoffs, lab closures, and driving early-career scientists away from research careers due to federal budget and priority changes. • Harvard researcher Josiemer Mattei had her diabetes prevention trial in Puerto Rico terminated in May 2025 when the administration cut over $2.8 billion in grants across the university, forcing her to scramble to relocate the study to avoid losing patients and data. • The NIH remains committed to fully spending its 2026 budget but lags significantly behind prior years in grant awards and disbursements, with researchers reporting taking 95% pay cuts to avoid staff layoffs.