UIDP is organizing an NSF-supported workshop on Expanding STEM Ph.D. Funding Streams to connect universities, industry, government, and other funders and design a scalable, jointly funded Ph.D. fellowship model. This effort aims to increase investment in STEM doctoral students, address reduced federal fellowship opportunities, and respond to shifting career paths by combining rigorous academic training with immersive industry experience to prepare a more agile, industry-ready research workforce.

As a lead-up to the workshop at NSF headquarters on September 29-30, UIDP is hosting a series of dynamic virtual town halls designed to engage stakeholders in solving challenges around building an innovative, collaborative Ph.D. funding model. Each session will focus on a distinct topic or issue related to expanding Ph.D. funding streams, providing a structured forum to explore obstacles, opportunities, and key considerations. These interactive sessions offer a unique opportunity to contribute your insights directly to the workshop agenda, connect with fellow researchers, industry partners, and university leaders, and help shape a sustainable funding framework that expands and strengthens support for doctoral education.

Whether you’re a student, post-doc, researcher, faculty member, university administrator, industry representative, or funder, participating in these town halls allows you to influence the workshop discussions with your perspectives, collaborate with an extensive community of thought leaders and stakeholders, and build lasting partnerships. You’ll also stay informed on emerging trends and models in Ph.D. funding while playing an active role in shaping the future of doctoral education.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking conversation that could redefine how Ph.D. programs are supported nationwide. Register now and join us in driving meaningful change.

Agenda Highlights

• Focused Exploration of Key Issues: Each virtual town hall will tackle a distinct topic related to expanding Ph.D. funding streams, offering a structured forum to examine obstacles, opportunities, and best practices for building innovative collaborative funding models.
• Direct Input to NSF Workshop: Participants will have the unique chance to contribute their insights and perspectives, which will directly shape the agenda and discussions of the upcoming UIDP workshop supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
• Networking and Collaboration: Engage with a wide-ranging group of faculty, industry partners, university leaders, and other stakeholders to build lasting partnerships and stay informed on emerging trends that strengthen and expand doctoral education funding.