1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act”.
Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act
A BILL
To forestall the loss of research talent by establishing a temporary early career research fellowship program.
2. Findings
Congress finds the following:
The Nation’s universities and industrial research labs are facing unprecedented budget pressure as part of the COVID–19 health crisis, resulting in considerably fewer openings for research and teaching positions.
Emergency funding is needed to forestall the loss of research talent likely to occur if early-career researchers are forced to seek employment outside of research due to the sharp economic decline caused by the COVID–19 health crisis.
3. Early-career research fellowship program
In general— The Director of the National Science Foundation may establish a 2-year pilot program to award grants to highly qualified early-career investigators to carry out an independent research program at the institution of higher education chosen by such investigator, to last for a period not greater than 2 years.
Institution of higher education defined— The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
4. Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the National Science Foundation $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2022 to carry out the activities in this Act.