PHD Talent Act of 2026

The PHD Talent Act of 2026 establishes a five-year pilot program to help universities create accelerated doctoral programs in critical fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. These programs aim to train U.S. citizens and permanent residents by shortening the time to earn a doctorate, integrating undergraduate and graduate coursework, and providing funding that covers at least three years of doctoral study. The Department of Energy will award grants to universities that partner with national laboratories and industry to offer these tracks, which also include structured mentorship and research rotations to build dual expertise in a specific science and computational methods. The legislation authorizes $250 million for the program between 2028 and 2032 and requires the Department of Energy to submit annual reports to Congress on the initiative's progress and student outcomes.