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Amends section 10314(b) of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to add a new data item on graduate researcher and postdoctoral researcher stipend amounts and financial instability, redesignate an existing subparagraph, and add a new definitions paragraph defining 'institution of higher education', 'graduate researchers', and 'postdoctoral researchers'.
Amends paragraph (1) of section 10502(a) (42 U.S.C. 19152(a)) by inserting additional text into paragraph (1) (the amendment text is referenced but not shown in the provided section).
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to issue federal policy guidance that requires research agencies to take steps to reduce financial instability among graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. It adds routine data-collection requirements, authorizes competitive data awards administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), commissions a National Academies study, and requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report evaluating implementation and effectiveness. The law sets deadlines for agency actions, studies, and reports, and aims to produce better data and coordinated federal policies so agencies and institutions can design evidence-based steps to improve stipends, benefits, and other supports for grad students and postdocs.
Introduced April 29, 2025 by Jennifer McClellan · Last progress April 29, 2025
Defines “institution of higher education” by reference to section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
Defines “graduate researchers” as individuals enrolled in an advanced-degree program who receive stipends or other compensation to conduct research at a federally funded institution of higher education.
Defines “postdoctoral researchers” as individuals in training-focused positions who have a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and receive stipends or other compensation to conduct research at a federally funded institution of higher education.
Requires the OSTP Director, in consultation with the National Science and Technology Council, Committee on STEM Education, PCAST, institutions of higher education, graduate and postdoctoral organizations, and other stakeholders, to develop a consistent set of policy guidelines for Federal research agencies to address financial instability of graduate and postdoctoral researchers not later than six months after enactment.
Requires the OSTP-developed guidelines to address, to the extent practicable: (A) opportunities to increase stipends for graduate and postdoctoral researchers, including indexing by location; (B) increasing postdoctoral stipends for work in rural or underserved areas or States eligible for EPSCoR funding (42 U.S.C. 1862g) to support recruitment and retention; (C) increasing access to quality, affordable medical, dental, and vision care; (D) increasing access to affordable housing and transportation; (E) reducing food insecurity; and (F) addressing costs of caring for family members, including child care.
Primary affected groups:
Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers: Likely to benefit long-term from improved federal guidance, better data, and potential institutional policy changes aimed at reducing financial instability (e.g., stipend policy changes, benefits, emergency supports). Short-term effects could be limited until agencies and institutions act on study and award findings.
Institutions of higher education and research organizations: Will likely face new reporting and data-collection requirements and may need to review or adjust compensation, benefit, and support policies for trainees based on federal guidance and study recommendations. Some administrative burden and potential budgetary adjustments could follow.
Federal research agencies and NSF: OSTP-directed guidance obligates agencies to take specified actions, collect data, and meet deadlines. NSF will administer competitive data awards, increasing its programmatic workload.
Policymakers and oversight bodies: The National Academies study and GAO evaluation will provide evidence and accountability, enabling Congress, agencies, and institutions to track progress and make informed policy choices.
Net likely effects:
Equity and operational considerations:
RESEARCHER Act
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Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Introduced in House