---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 6626"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "6626"
heading: "Working group on inclusion in STEM fields"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/6626"
units:
  - "Chapter 79 — Science and Technology Policy, Organization and Priorities"
  - "Subchapter II — Office of Science and Technology Policy"
---

# §6626. Working group on inclusion in STEM fields

- (a) **Establishment—** The Office of Science and Technology Policy, in collaboration with Federal departments and [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1), shall establish an interagency working group to compile and summarize available research and best [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19) on how to promote diversity and inclusions in STEM fields and examine whether barriers exist to promoting diversity and inclusion within Federal [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) employing scientists and engineers.
- (b) **Responsibilities—** The working group shall be responsible for reviewing and assessing research, best [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19), and policies across Federal science [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) related to the inclusion of individuals identified in sections [1885a](/usc/42/1885a.md) and [1885b](/usc/42/1885b.md) of this title in the Federal STEM workforce, including available research and best [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19) on how to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, including—
  - (1) policies providing flexibility for scientists and engineers that are also caregivers, particularly on the timing of research grants;
  - (2) policies to address the proper handling of claims of sexual harassment;
  - (3) policies to minimize the effects of implicit bias and other systemic factors in hiring, promotion, evaluation and the workplace in general; and
  - (4) other evidence-based strategies that the working group considers effective for promoting diversity and inclusion in the STEM fields.
- (c) **Stakeholder input—** In carrying out the responsibilities under section (b), the working group shall solicit and consider input and recommendations from non-Federal stakeholders, including—
  - (1) the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology;
  - (2) federally funded and non-federally funded researchers, institutions of higher education, scientific disciplinary societies, and associations;
  - (3) [nonprofit](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=3) research institutions;
  - (4) industry, including small businesses;
  - (5) federally funded research and development centers;
  - (6) non-governmental organizations; and
  - (7) such other members of the public interested in promoting a diverse and inclusive Federal STEM workforce.
- (d) **Public reports—** Not later than 1 year after January 6, 2017, and periodically thereafter, the working group shall publish a report on the review and assessment under [subsection (b)](#b), including a summary of available research and best [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19), any recommendations for Federal actions to promote a diverse and inclusive Federal STEM workforce, and updates on the implementation of previous recommendations for Federal actions.
- (e) **Termination—** The interagency working group established under [subsection (a)](#a) shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date that it is established.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 114–329, title III, § 308, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3011.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, and not as part of the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Definitions

For definitions of terms used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 114–329, set out as a note under section 1862s of this title.