Reimagining Graduate and Postdoctoral Training Amid a STEMM Workforce Polycrisis

By: CJ Neely
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
On July 22 and 23, the National Academies’ Board on Higher Education and Workforce convened a national summit titled Reimagining STEMM Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Career Development to explore how the U.S. can strengthen its research talent pipeline during a time of overlapping systemic challenges. The current poly-crisis in STEMM training includes rising costs of living, funding uncertainty, shifting immigration policies, and increased labor organizing, all of which are reshaping the experiences of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

Sessions brought together a broad mix of voices, including students, postdocs, union leaders, funders, faculty, and professional development experts, to consider new approaches to mentorship, career preparation, postdoctoral structure, and cross-sector collaboration. International perspectives and institutional change efforts were also featured, highlighting promising practices and bold ideas.

Recordings, draft papers, and presentation materials are now available.