Researcher Retention and Transition Act
The Researcher Retention and Transition Act provides temporary fellowships and transition support for researchers displaced by federal funding cuts, helping prevent talent loss and career disruption. The program offers short-term stipends, mentorship, and pathways into industry, entrepreneurship, or continued research. By aligning academic institutions with regional employers, the Act helps skilled scientists move into sustainable, in-state career opportunities.
Key Provisions
Bridge Fellowship Program for Displaced Researchers: Offers stipends and short-term research appointments for qualified postdocs and technical staff affected by federal grant cuts.
Academic-to-Industry Transition Support Grants: Funds retraining and placement assistance for scientists seeking roles in biotech, clinical research, or science-based private sector work.
Institutional Matching and Host Requirements: Requires applicants to provide mentoring plans and partial salary support from university or host institutions.
Coordination with Industry Consortia and Workforce Boards: Encourages integration with regional employers, life sciences partnerships, and job training systems.
Annual Reporting on Career Outcomes: Tracks placement, continued research engagement, and skill development for all participants.
Model Language
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Researcher Retention and Transition Act."
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to prevent the loss of scientific talent due to disruptions in federal funding and to promote alternative career pathways for researchers in the state.
Section 3. Definitions.
(a) "Displaced researcher" means a postdoctoral fellow, research technician, or other scientific employee who has lost or will imminently lose salary support due to federal research funding reductions.
(b) "Department" means the state agency responsible for workforce development, higher education, or science and technology policy.
Section 4. Bridge Fellowship Program.
(a) The Department shall establish a program offering up to 12-month fellowships for displaced researchers.
(b) Fellowships shall include: (1) A living stipend not to exceed $60,000 annually; (2) Access to lab or co-working space; (3) Mentorship by a faculty member or industry scientist.
(c) Host institutions must provide: (1) A 1:2 salary match or in-kind contribution; (2) Professional development and advising support.
Section 5. Academic-to-Industry Transition Support.
(a) The Department shall offer grants of up to $10,000 per participant to support: (1) Industry-recognized training programs; (2) Internships or externships in biotech, life sciences, or health tech; (3) Career placement services.
(b) Priority shall be given to researchers with prior NIH or federally funded experience.
Section 6. Institutional Partnerships and Workforce Integration.
(a) The Department shall coordinate with: (1) State workforce boards and regional economic development organizations; (2) Industry consortia, hospital systems, and innovation districts.
(b) Participating employers shall be eligible for wage subsidies for hiring program graduates.
Section 7. Reporting and Outcome Metrics.
(a) The Department shall track and report annually on: (1) Number of researchers retained or placed; (2) Fields and sectors entered; (3) Retention in-state over a 3-year period.
(b) Reports shall be submitted to the Governor and Legislature.
Section 8. Appropriations. An initial appropriation of $8 million is authorized for the fiscal year beginning July 1 following enactment.
Section 9. Severability. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 10. Effective Date. This Act shall take effect on January 1 of the year following its enactment.