Washington State University researcher Ananth Kalyanaraman was among a panel of top U.S. scientists Tuesday expressing concern over the impact of federal cuts to the National Science Foundation on studies that help fuel American innovation.
The online news conference, led by U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, included first-hand examples of how the significant proposed NSF cuts imperil the nation’s position as a leader in scientific research and discovery.
Kalyanaraman serves as the lead principal investigator and director of the federally-funded AI Institute for Transforming Workforce & Decision Support, or AgAID. The institute is focused on real-world applications for artificial intelligence in agriculture, such as developing tools to manage labor costs and shortages as well as better stewardship of vital resources such as water. These efforts can help ensure the security and reliable of the nation’s food systems for years to come, he said.
AI and agriculture is a topic of supreme interest at the international level, Kalyanaraman said, and any backwards steps taken by the United States would put it at a competitive disadvantage in the future.
Cantwell noted that as a premiere agriculture and engineering school, WSU’s research into these applications is a tremendous fit with significant innovation potential.
In addition to his role leading AgAID, Kalyanaraman was recently appointed director of WSU’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Joining Kalyanaraman in the discussion were a host of leaders in research and innovation from across the country:
- Arati Prabakhar
Former director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology - France Córdova
President of Science Philanthropy Alliance and former director of the NSF - Dr. Dean Chang
Chief innovation officer and associate vice president for innovation & entrepreneurship and economic development at University of Maryland - Marvi Matos Rodriguez
Director of engineering at The Boeing Company
Developments ranging from semiconductors inside cellphones and other vital technology to recent breakthroughs in quantum computing and artificial intelligence depended on federal funding that is now seriously at risk. Since January, NSF has terminated more than 1,000 grants worth upwards of $1 billion, Cantwell noted during her opening remarks.
Not only would proposed cuts to NSF discussed by panelists open the door for other countries to led in scientific advancement, they could leave the U.S.’ next generation of scientists, researchers and engineers without vital STEM skills and expertise. Kalyanaraman noted that land grant institutions like WSU provide STEM education programs across an array of communities from rural to urban at all levels K–12. These programs are vital to helping children understand the value of technology and innovation, he said.
More information about WSU’s research enterprise and how it is responding to shifting federal priorities is available on the Office of Research website.
