President Donald Trump's proposed budget would cut billions of dollars from federal programs that support scientific research, raising alarms from many scientific organizations.

An analysis by the left-leaning news site Vox concluded the president's recently unveiled budget cuts at least $7 billion for science programs. Among cuts is a proposal to reduce funding for the National Institutes of Health by $5.8 billion, or roughly 18 percent of the agency's total budget. Most of NIH's budget is used to fund research at hospitals and universities across the country.

The budget also proposes cutting or eliminating earth science programs at NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, particularly any programs that study the planet's changing climate. The National Science Foundation—a major source for research funding in the U.S.—would also likely see funding cuts although the president's plan doesn't single out the agency. http://bit.ly/2my5Toe

Organizations representing scientists and research universities condemned the cuts as potentially "crippling" to scientific research in the U.S.

"The administration's cuts threaten our nation's ability to advance cures for disease, maintain our technological leadership, ensure a more prosperous energy future and train the next generation of scientists and innovators to address the complex challenges we face today and in the future," said Rush Holt, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The American Geophysical Union called the proposed budget "short-sighted and dangerous."

"President Trump's proposed budget, if enacted, would be a step backward for scientific progress, jeopardize the U.S.'s role as a leader in innovation, and harm the American public," AGU CEO Christine McEntee said.

The American Chemical Society said the potential cuts were "extremely concerning."

"Sustained, predictable and robust funding is an essential ingredient in boosting our nation's future in the form of discoveries, processes and knowledge, all of which lead to new products, services, industries and jobs," ACS CEO Thomas Connelly said.

Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman said the budget would lead to a "U.S. innovation deficit" at a time when China and other economic competitors are increasing their investments in basic research.

"Now is not the time to turn our backs on what has made America the greatest and most advanced economy in the world," Coleman said.

Scientists and science advocates previously announced they would participate in a nonpartisan "March for Science" April 22 in Washington, D.C., and cities across the world to advocate for government support of scientific research. AAAS and AGU had previously partnered with the event's organizers, and ACS announced Wednesday that it would also participate in the event.

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