The Need for Federal Support of STEM Training

Scientists bring important expertise and contributions to government decision-making by engaging with legislative staff and making their voices heard in Congress in relation to important legislation. That has especially been the case in the CHIPS and Science Act, which National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan has called the most important U.S. science and engineering legislation in a generation. Through historic investments, the bill enables federal agencies to support research and development funding across the nation.

The “and Science” section of the legislation calls for substantial government support of federal programs that nurture the next generation of scientists. Such support is crucial for not only ensuring the continuity of research in this country but also for providing the training, mentoring and career preparation needed to build a strong pipeline of scholars in STEM.