PHD Talent Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
What this bill does
The PHD Talent Act of 2026 would direct the Secretary of Energy to create a five-year pilot program, run through the Under Secretary for Science, aimed at growing the domestic pipeline of science and engineering doctoral graduates. The Department would award competitive grants to colleges and universities to establish or support "accelerated doctoral programs" in critical or emerging technology fields—such as artificial intelligence, quantum information science, advanced computing, biotechnology, and clean energy—including programs that combine bachelor's and doctoral study into a shortened timeline. Grants would fund partnerships with National Laboratories, other federal agencies, and industry, research rotations, mentorship, and financial support for students, and the Department could also create pilot fellowship programs providing direct aid to eligible students.
The program is limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Universities that participate would retain control over admissions, degree requirements, and academic standards, while the Department would provide technical assistance and identify best practices. Institutions must ensure new federal funds supplement, not replace, existing funding sources.
The bill authorizes $250 million for fiscal years 2028–2032 and requires annual reports to Congress tracking outcomes. New awards could not be made more than five years after the first award without further congressional authorization. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator Mark Warner with Senator Todd Young, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; no further action has occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
30 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Common questions
- What does S. 5187 do?
- The PHD Talent Act of 2026 would direct the Secretary of Energy to create a five-year pilot program, run through the Under Secretary for Science, aimed at growing the domestic pipeline of science and engineering doctoral graduates. The Department would award competitive grants to colleges and universities to establish or support "accelerated doctoral programs" in critical or emerging technology fields—such as artificial intelligence, quantum information science, advanced computing, biotechnology, and clean energy—including programs that combine bachelor's and doctoral study into a shortened timeline. Grants would fund partnerships with National Laboratories, other federal agencies, and industry, research rotations, mentorship, and financial support for students, and the Department could also create pilot fellowship programs providing direct aid to eligible students. The program is limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Universities that participate would retain control over admissions, degree requirements, and academic standards, while the Department would provide technical assistance and identify best practices. Institutions must ensure new federal funds supplement, not replace, existing funding sources. The bill authorizes $250 million for fiscal years 2028–2032 and requires annual reports to Congress tracking outcomes. New awards could not be made more than five years after the first award without further congressional authorization. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator Mark Warner with Senator Todd Young, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; no further action has occurred.
- Has S. 5187 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5187. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5187?
- S. 5187 was sponsored by Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA] (D-VA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5187?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (30 Jul 2026).
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