The latest call emphasizes computer science areas such as AI. There is what I liken to an immune antibody response from the community to something new–this is the norm for when NSF changes gears (which it normally always does). The science press writes an article with juicy quotes. Perhaps there are Zoom meetings to prepare talking points for the agency leadership. And life goes on.
To my mind, the program (GRFP) is doing just fine. Smart and diverse graduate students from all STEM fields will continue to get funding for their doctoral research–from economics to theoretical physics. And perhaps one of them will make the a crucial discovery in quantum computing that changes everything–NSF funded discoveries have been at the center of practical advances for society since I can remember. From basic curiosity-driven science great things often happen.
Discoverers and Discoveries 