A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to strengthen the domestic science and engineering workforce through partnerships among institutions of higher education, National Laboratories, other Federal science agencies, and industry to support accelerated doctoral programs, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · July 30, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
The PHD Talent Act of 2026 directs the Department of Energy to create a five-year pilot program that funds accelerated doctoral programs at universities in critical technology fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, clean energy, and semiconductors. The program, which must be established within one year of enactment, will provide grants to colleges and universities that partner with National Laboratories, federal agencies, and industry to help students complete doctoral degrees at least one year faster than normal while maintaining academic standards and providing dual expertise in both their field and advanced computational methods. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and participating institutions must cover at least three years of funding for students in integrated bachelor-to-doctorate pathways while providing mentorship, professional development, and research rotations. The bill authorizes $250 million in funding from fiscal years 2028 through 2032 and requires the Department of Energy to submit annual reports to Congress tracking student progress and program outcomes. The program automatically expires five years after the first grant is awarded unless Congress authorizes its continuation.
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