Horsham’s Center for Forensic Science Research and Education has laid off 12 employees due to delays in federal grant funding, writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
The nonprofit had expected $2.1 million from the Departments of Justice and State to support key programs this year, but none of the funds have arrived.
Chairman Eric Rieders said the layoffs followed an earlier round of furloughs, with the center unable to maintain staff without funding. Some of those affected have since found work at Rieders’ other company, NMS Labs.
Two of the center’s signature programs, NPS Discovery and Sentinel, have been paused. NPS Discovery is an open-access early warning system used by public health and law enforcement agencies to track emerging drug threats. Sentinel monitors counterfeit fentanyl tablets seized at the U.S.-Mexico border.
“We specialize in sharing information with the general public on chemical structure … to save lives,” said Executive Director M.J. Menendez. “No amount of purported ‘cost savings’ justifies shutting down NPS Discovery.”
Despite the funding freeze, the center continues limited operations and remains committed to its mission of protecting public health and safety.
Read more about the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
