HomeTechnologyMajor government research lab appears to be squeezing out foreign scientists

Major government research lab appears to be squeezing out foreign scientists

TechnologyFebruary 21, 2026
1 min read
Major government research lab appears to be squeezing out foreign scientists
"Noncitizens" lost after-hours access to a NIST lab last month.

One of the US government’s top scientific research labs is taking steps that could drive away foreign scientists, a shift lawmakers and sources tell WIRED could cost the country valuable expertise and damage the agency’s credibility.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) helps determine the frameworks underpinning everything from cybersecurity to semiconductor manufacturing. Some of NIST’s recent work includes establishing guidelines for securing AI systems and identifying health concerns with air purifiers and firefighting gloves. Many of the agency’s thousands of employees, postdoctoral scientists, contractors, and guest researchers are brought in from around the world for their specialized expertise.

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Source: Ars Technica

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