Next Generation Research 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 Research 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 research (a) Next Generation of Research Initiative There shall be established within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Next Generation of Research 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, 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 or modify policies, as needed, within the National Institutes of Health to promote opportunities for new researchers, including policies to strengthen mentorship programs between new and veteran researchers, enhance workforce diversity efforts, and help to improve new researchers' success in obtaining renewal funding; and (3) carry out other activities, as appropriate, to promote the development of the next generation of researchers. (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 the legislative, administrative, educational, and cultural barriers to providing for a successful next generation of researchers. (2) Report Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the Director, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, a report concerning the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). Such report shall include— (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) and Federal budget constraints on the next generation of researchers; and (C) recommendations for the implementation of policies to incentivize, improve entry into, and sustain careers in research for the next generation of researchers, including proposed policies for agencies and academic institutions. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. .

Summary: Next Generation Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Next Generation of Research Initiative in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to coordinate NIH policies and programs aimed at promoting and providing opportunities for new researchers. Requires the NIH to: (1) promote policies and programs to improve opportunities for new researchers; (2) develop or modify policies, as needed, including to strengthen mentorship programs and enhance diversity efforts; and (3) request the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study and report on policies affecting the next generation of researchers as part of a study on biomedical and behavioral research personnel.