DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act
The DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act would require the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to jointly plan and execute cross-cutting research and development that advances both agencies’ missions. The two agencies would establish a memorandum of understanding (or similar interagency agreement) to guide collaborative projects, using a competitive, merit-reviewed process that invites proposals from federal agencies, national laboratories, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities. The act lists a broad set of focus areas and encourages collaboration, data sharing, infrastructure support, and STEM education/workforce initiatives. It also allows reimbursable agreements and collaboration with other federal agencies, and it requires a Congress-report within two years detailing coordination progress, opportunities, and future areas of mutual benefit. The bill references existing research-security rules to ensure appropriate safeguarding of sensitive information. In short, the bill would formalize and expand joint R&D activities between DOE and NSF, align their priorities, and promote shared use of facilities, data, and talent to accelerate science and technology relevant to energy, climate, and national competitiveness.
Key Points
- 1Joint coordination and cross-cutting R&D: DOE Secretary and NSF Director would carry out collaborative research activities aligned with both agencies’ mission priorities, across multiple science and engineering areas.
- 2Interagency agreement with merit review: Establishment of an MOU or other agreement requiring competitive, merit-reviewed processes for selecting joint projects, involving inputs from federal agencies, national labs, universities, and nonprofits.
- 3Broad focus areas for collaboration: Includes basic plasma science and engineering; computational biology and neuromorphic computing; AI, machine learning, data analytics, and modeling; quantum information sciences (computing and networks); energy/materials science (e.g., artificial photosynthesis, fusion); advanced manufacturing and energy efficiency; microelectronics; and high-energy/particle physics.
- 4Collaboration, data sharing, and infrastructure: Emphasis on open collaboration, secure data transfer, and shared access to facilities and equipment as needed to maximize research impact.
- 5Education and workforce development: Programs to support STEM education and training, including internships, fellowships, experiential learning, and professional development for educators and researchers.
- 6Reimbursable agreements and broader collaboration: Authority to use reimbursable arrangements between DOE, NSF, and other entities, and to work with other federal agencies to enhance research efforts.
- 7Reporting requirement: A two-year reporting deadline to Congress detailing interagency coordination, opportunities to expand capabilities, collaboration results, future areas of mutual benefit, and plans to continue coordination.
- 8Research security alignment: Activities would comply with existing research security rules and safeguards.