SRCD Supports the National Science Foundation for the Future Act Through COSSA Membership
The Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) released a statement endorsing H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act. COSSA is a nonprofit advocacy organization that supports federal funding for both social and behavioral science research and federal policies that could impact the conduct of research. SRCD is a governing member of the Consortium and works closely with the organization on science advocacy activities.
H.R.225, introduced by U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology leaders, Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Michael Waltz (R-FL), would reauthorize the National Science Foundation (NSF) through FY 2026. H.R. 2225 would improve the STEM pipeline, and create a new Directorate for Science and Engineering Solutions, among other changes. Read H.R. 2225 for more information about the bill.
The statement notes, “The legislation thoughtfully balances the critical need to preserve NSF’s defining role—to be an incubator for basic scientific discovery across all areas of science—while moving the agency in new and exciting directions. COSSA appreciates the thoughtful manner in which the legislation has proposed establishing a new directorate focused on use-inspired research to address some of the most complex societal challenges, including giving NSF leadership the responsibility to identify focus areas for the directorate. We look forward to continued engagement with the bill’s sponsors to define a role for the new directorate that complements existing NSF research activities, increases opportunities for all STEM fields—including the social and behavioral sciences—and advances the agency’s mission while adhering to its core principles of fundamental research.”