Prioritizing diversity? The allocation of US federal R&D funding

Alexandra Graddy-Reed and Lauren Lanahan

Science and Public Policy, 2023, vol. 50, issue 1, 104-119

Abstract: We examine the distribution of federal research and development funding across the academy early in the researcher’s pipeline. We use a unique program, the US National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), to document diversity and disparity in allocation and assess the relative impact of federal funding across four different academic divisions that include engineering, life sciences, math and physical sciences, and social sciences and psychology. After controlling for disciplinary differences in research practices, we find that the impact of federal funding yields similar rates and impact of research. However, we document disparity in how federal funding is allocated across the country to institutions and individuals. Together, these findings prompt a discussion around the trade-offs of funders focusing on national priorities or broadening participation. We conclude with recommendations for the GRFP.

Keywords: federal funding; research and development; higher education; science and engineering; broadening participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:oup:scippl:v:50:y:2023:i:1:p:104-119.

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