Policy Factsheet

Funding Fundamental Research: The Building Blocks of American Innovation

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Action

To help ensure U.S. competitiveness, Congress should match the authorizations in the CHIPS and Science Act and provide robust funding for the DOD 6.1 and 6.2 research accounts in FY24.

Fundamental research is essential to U.S. competitiveness. Federal funding directly impacts the future U.S. STEM workforce

The "and Science" Promise: Investments in Research, People, and Communities

Failing to match the authorized funding levels in the CHIPS and Science Act means missed opportunities for students, researchers, and the nation.

Chart with two bars, the left bar, representing the DOE Office of Science, is divided into two sections. The smaller section is labeled '+$13 billion.' It is sitting on top of the larger section labeled 'Baseline $37 billion. The left bar is labeled with two points: 'Advancing national priority technologies' and 'Repairing deteriorating research infrastructure'. The right bar, representing NSF, is divided into two sections. The smaller section is labeled '+$36 billion.' It is sitting on top of the larger section labeled 'Baseline $44 billion.' The right bar is labeled with two points: 'Building the STEM workforce, adding thousands new fellowships and teachers per year' and 'Expanding rural STEM education and broad-based research opportunities.'

Baseline and plus up calculated over a period of 5-years

Broadening Participation and Building STEM Capacity Across All 50 States

Map of the United States with colored dots showing the locations of HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, and ERIs

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in 2022
  • Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) recipients of federal R&D funding in FY21
  • Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) in 2022
  • Emerging Research Institutions (ERI) for FY22

Full appropriations of the CHIPS and Science Act will greatly expand participation in STEM and geographical diversity of federal R&D investments. Initiatives include:

  • Regional Innovation Hubs (NIST)
  • Expanded partnerships with HBCUs, MSIs, ERIs, TCUs, (NSF, DOE)
  • And more

Sources: NSF HERD survey, Dept. of Ed. IPEDS

Fully Funding the CHIPS and Science Act is Critical

Harnessing the full potential of our R&D enterprise requires appropriations matching the ambitious funding levels laid out in the CHIPS and Science Act. People are the bedrock of U.S. R&D, and these increases are vital to support them and the economic health of our nation.

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