Fired federal scientists reflect on a year of turmoil

Key Points

• To examine the effects of mass terminations of probationary federal workers on their careers and job security.
• Qualitative interviews with terminated federal scientists
• Thematic analysis of experiences and reflections
• Exploration of the impact on personal and professional life
• Significant disruption in careers for affected workers
• Increased anxiety and uncertainty regarding future employment
• Loss of institutional knowledge affecting federal agencies