ISU Remains Engaged in Promoting the Value of Higher Education at a National Level

ISU has joined 50 institutions and organizations in signing a Renewed Call to Action statement by members of the Council on Competitiveness and its National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontiers. 

Building on the foundation of joint partnerships between research institutions and national laboratories, such as ISU and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the call to action highlights the importance of unhindered innovation in the areas of dual-use technologies such as quantum, AI, biotechnology, semiconductors, advanced materials, precision agriculture, nuclear fission, fusion, and space.

The letter, signed by 50 university presidents, national laboratory leaders, and CEOs from business and nonprofits, suggests that a bipartisan commitment to investing in the United State’s research and development enterprise be at the forefront of the renewed effort. It underscores the value of reducing administrative burden related to research initiatives, along with bolstering the academic pipeline at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for students obtaining STEM degrees. 

The statement calls on President Trump and members of Congress to support a renewed prioritization of investment in federal R&D funding, along with expanding partnerships between the private sector, academia and government. 

Together with the Council on Competitiveness and the organizations who inked their signatures in the call to action, ISU is committed to maintaining a highly productive research enterprise that spurs opportunity and innovation by growing our collaboration with the INL and other mutually beneficial partnerships. 

Read the full call to action and view the members who signed it here.

Additionally, President Robert Wagner recently penned statewide opinion editorials related to ISU’s contributions and the value of higher education: 

• With universities under threat, remember they’re key to Idaho’s future
• Leading in Times of Uncertainty  

“Our advocacy on these important issues is necessary for us to continue meeting our public higher education mission. ISU plays a critical role in driving impact and innovation across the state and region. It's imperative that we tell our story so we continue to positively impact the regions we serve,” said Wagner. 

He and other university leaders remain actively involved in national, state, and local conversations, promoting the core values of higher education and highlighting the vital contributions of ISU’s faculty, staff, and students. In the dynamic landscape of higher education today, their continued efforts help ensure the university's mission and impact are recognized and supported across the region and beyond.