APLU Hails the Introduction of the Endless Frontiers Act

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today issued the following statement on the introduction of the Endless Frontiers Act.

“We applaud Senators Schumer and Young and Representatives Khanna and Gallagher for their introduction of the Endless Frontiers Act. This landmark bill would achieve extraordinary strides for the U.S. scientific enterprise and help ensure the U.S. remains the unparalleled leader of innovation for decades to come. We thank the senators and representatives – and their colleagues who signed on as original cosponsors – for allowing APLU, the public university community, and partner organizations to provide input on this monumental legislation.

“As a share of the economy, federal investment in research has languished for decades even as our global competitors have challenged U.S. scientific leadership. The bill’s creation of a new technology directorate in the National Science Foundation is precisely the kind of bold and visionary leadership we need. This funding would help pioneer pathbreaking innovations that create new jobs, support new businesses, even dawn entirely new sectors.

“The stakes of continued U.S. scientific leadership could scarcely be higher. Investment in both traditional NSF programs and the proposed new technology directorate would spark groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. Leading in these sectors isn’t just key to economic vibrancy; it’s essential for ensuring core U.S. values are embedded in society-shaping technologies.”

“We look forward to working with lawmakers to further improve the bill while ensuring a collaborative global research environment that will strengthen the leadership of the U.S. research enterprise.”