U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the Promoting High-skilled Doctoral Talent (PHD Talent) Act, legislation to strengthen America’s pipeline of scientists and engineers by helping universities establish accelerated bachelors-to-Ph.D. pathways in critical and emerging technology fields.
The legislation would create a Department of Energy (DOE) program to support partnerships among universities, National Laboratories, and industry that prepare more American students for doctoral-level careers in strategically important fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum science, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, cybersecurity, robotics, and advanced computing.
“To remain the world’s technological leader, we need more American scientists and engineers,” said Senator Young. “Our legislation creates more direct pathways for U.S. students to earn advanced degrees, connects them with our National Laboratories and industry, and ensures taxpayer-funded support goes to American citizens. Prioritizing American talent is vital as China and other global competitors race to dominate critical technologies.”
Specifically, the legislation would:
- Establish a five-year DOE pilot program, including Ph.D. fellowships, to help universities create accelerated bachelors-to-Ph.D. pathways in critical and emerging technology fields.
- Support partnerships among universities, National Laboratories, and industry to provide students with hands-on-research, mentorship, and workforce training in strategically important technologies.
- Reduce the time required to earn a STEM Ph.D. by supporting programs that shorten the traditional pathway while maintaining rigorous academic and research standards.
- Target funding to fields where DOE identifies a demonstrated need for additional domestic doctoral talent and avoid duplicating existing federal programs.
- Strengthen America’s domestic STEM workforce by reserving taxpayer-funded student support for U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents rather than temporary visa holders.
The PHD Talent Act builds on Science: A New Golden Age, a report released July 21 by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, which calls for investing directly in American researchers, expanding graduate fellowships, and rebuilding the domestic pipeline of advanced STEM talent.
Text of the legislation can be found here.
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