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Strengthening MSI Competitiveness in Research and Innovation Act

12/30/2022, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3840

Bill 117 HR 3840, also known as the Strengthening MSI Competitiveness in Research and Innovation Act, aims to enhance the research and innovation capabilities of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the United States. MSIs, which include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), play a crucial role in providing higher education opportunities to underrepresented minority students.

The bill proposes several key provisions to support MSIs in their research and innovation efforts. It seeks to increase funding for research and development activities at MSIs, as well as provide resources for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge research projects. Additionally, the bill aims to strengthen partnerships between MSIs and federal agencies, industry partners, and other research institutions to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Furthermore, the bill includes measures to improve the infrastructure and facilities at MSIs to support research activities, as well as enhance the training and professional development opportunities for faculty and students. It also calls for the establishment of a task force to assess the current state of research and innovation at MSIs and make recommendations for future improvements. Overall, the Strengthening MSI Competitiveness in Research and Innovation Act seeks to empower MSIs to become leaders in research and innovation, while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the scientific community. By providing additional resources and support to these institutions, the bill aims to level the playing field and ensure that all students have access to high-quality research and educational opportunities.

Congressional Summary of HR 3840

Strengthening MSI Competitiveness in Research and Innovation Act

This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program to make competitive awards to eligible institutions to support the mission of the NSF and to build institutional research capacity at eligible institutions.

To be eligible to receive an award, an institution shall be

  • a historically Black college or university;
  • a Tribal College or University;
  • a minority-serving institution; or
  • an institution of higher education with an established science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) capacity building program focused on traditionally underrepresented populations in STEM, including Native Hawaiians, Alaska Natives, and Indians.

Each eligible institution shall have not more than $50 million in annual federally-financed research and development expenditures for science and engineering as reported through the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development Survey.

Current Status of Bill HR 3840

Bill HR 3840 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 11, 2021. Bill HR 3840 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 11, 2021.  Bill HR 3840's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. as of June 11, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3840

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3840

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3840

Strengthening MSI Competitiveness in Research and Innovation Act
To direct the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a capacity-building program for developing universities, and for other purposes.
Strengthening MSI Competitiveness in Research and Innovation Act

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