# Plain Language Summary: DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act

This bill creates a formal partnership between two major government science agencies—the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF)—to work together on research projects instead of operating separately. Right now, these agencies often fund similar types of research independently, which can lead to duplication and missed opportunities for collaboration. This bill tells them to coordinate their efforts, share resources, and combine their expertise to tackle big scientific challenges more effectively.

The bill focuses on eight major research areas where the two agencies can collaborate: plasma science and fusion energy, biological and computational science (including brain-inspired computing), artificial intelligence and machine learning for energy and climate problems, quantum computing, energy and materials science, advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, and particle physics. When researchers from universities, national laboratories, and private companies want to apply for funding in these areas, they'll now be able to submit proposals that both agencies can evaluate together using a competitive, merit-based process. This means better ideas have a better chance of getting funded, regardless of which agency traditionally handled that type of research.

Beyond just research, the bill also emphasizes workforce development and education. The agencies are encouraged to create internships, fellowships, training programs, and educational opportunities for students and teachers in science and technology fields. This addresses a real concern about preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers. The bill also requires the two agencies to report back to Congress within two years about how well the collaboration is working, what they've accomplished together, and whether they should keep expanding these partnerships.

The practical effect is that scientists and institutions will have more opportunities to access funding and collaborate across what were previously separate agency silos, potentially speeding up breakthroughs in critical areas like clean energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology. For taxpayers, it should mean more efficient use of research dollars and fewer duplicated efforts.

DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act

Stevens, Haley M.

DOE and NSF Interagency Research ActThis bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Specifically, the bill requires DOE and NSF to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NSF may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., artificial intelligence), promote multi-agency and cross-sector data sharing, support research infrastructure, and organize education and training initiatives. DOE and NSF must jointly report on their collaboration.