This year’s MIT delegation to CVD is composed exclusively of students and postdocs, representing current federal funding recipients and future innovators in fields ranging from biomedical engineering to renewable energy. Alongside prominent leaders in scientific research, they will carry a message about the importance of sustaining science and technology funding in academic research and education to their elected representatives. In light of ongoing cuts to federal research support, especially since the Budget Control Act of 2012 and the sequestration cuts, which went into effect on March 1, this year’s MIT delegation will convey the increasing concerns of the academic and research communities for consistent science and technology research funding support.
The participation of MIT in CVD over the past seven years has been organized through the MIT Science Policy Initiative. SPI is a student organization with a goal of educating scientists and engineers about the policymaking process while exploring how science and engineering can inform policy. Opportunities for interaction with leaders in Washington exist throughout the year, and as of 2012 MIT graduate students now have the ability to earn a certificate in Science, Technology and Policy through structured coursework.
Further information on Congressional Visits Day and other activities and events relevant to science and technology policy and innovation can be found at the website of the MIT’s Science Policy Initiative.