Next Generation Researchers Act

To demonstrate a commitment to our Nation’s scientists by increasing opportunities for the development of our next generation of researchers. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Next Generation Researchers Act 2. Investing in the next generation of researchers Part A of title IV of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 281 et seq. 404M. Next generation of researchers (a) Next Generation of Researchers Initiative There shall be established within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Next Generation of Researchers Initiative (referred to in this section as the Initiative (b) Activities The Director of NIH, through the Initiative shall— (1) promote policies and programs within the National Institutes of Health that are aimed at improving opportunities for new researchers and promoting earlier research independence, including existing policies and programs such as the Pathway to Independence Award, the NIH Director's New Innovator Award, the Early Independence Award, and Early-Stage Investigator grant review procedures; (2) develop, modify, or accelerate policies, as needed, within the National Institutes of Health to promote opportunities for new researchers and earlier research independence, including policies to enhance training opportunities for research-related career options, strengthen mentorship programs between new and veteran researchers, enhance workforce diversity efforts, and help to improve new researchers' success in obtaining renewal funding; (3) coordinate with appropriate agencies and academic institutions to develop systems to enhance workforce data for biomedical postdoctoral researchers and students to help improve tracking of trainees and career progress; and (4) carry out other activities, as appropriate, to promote the development of the next generation of researchers and earlier research independence. (c) Study and report (1) Study The Director of NIH shall request the National Academy of Sciences, as part of the studies conducted under section 489, to conduct a comprehensive study on policies affecting the next generation of researchers in the United States. Such study shall include an evaluation of, and strategies to address, the legislative, administrative, educational, and cultural barriers to providing for a successful next generation of researchers and to promote earlier research independence. (2) Report Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Next Generation Researchers Act (A) an evaluation of the legislative, administrative, educational, and cultural barriers faced by the next generation of researchers; (B) an evaluation of the impact of sequestration resulting from the Budget Control Act of 2011 ( Public Law 112–25 (C) recommendations for the implementation of policies to incentivize, improve entry into, and sustain careers in research for the next generation of researchers and to promote earlier research independence, including proposed policies for agencies and academic institutions. .

Summary: Next Generation Researchers Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Next Generation of Researchers Initiative in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to promote, provide, and improve opportunities for new researchers and earlier research independence. The initiative must: (1) coordinate with agencies, academic institutions, and others to improve and update existing information on the biomedical research workforce, and (2) take into consideration the recommendations of the National Academies of Sciences regarding the next generation of researchers and report on actions taken based on those recommendations. (Sec. 3) The bill revises loan repayment programs for health professionals conducting research to increase the maximum repayment amount and to give the NIH the authority to expand eligibility for the programs based on workforce and scientific priorities. The Government Accountability Office must report on NIH efforts to attract, retain, and develop emerging scientists.