Sustaining the STEM Workforce by Supporting International Students and Scholars

A rapidly growing STEM job market in the United States requires more qualified professionals than the country can provide. If we want science to progress, we must pay far more attention to the long-term career prospects of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, whose work is essential to meeting this gap, and, crucially, we must provide better pathways for young international scientists. The academic community should prioritize the professional and career development of these researchers and students more and put less emphasis on judging them solely by how many papers they publish and how many grants they secure. Ensuring the future of the STEM workforce demands an evolution in how we support all these young scientists. Clearly, a key aspect of this evolution involves recognizing the crucial role of international candidates in the STEM landscape. In the 2022–2023 academic year, 5.6% of nearly 19 million college students in the United States consisted of international students, including F-1 students in Optional Practical Training programs. Of these, approximately 46% were enrolled in STEM programs. Although international students in STEM fields represent a relatively small percentage of the overall student population, they make remarkably significant contributions. Their research has led to over 30% of U.S. patents, and they have won an impressive 33% of American Nobel Prizes. These accomplishments underscore the substantial impact international researchers have on innovation and scientific excellence, despite their smaller numbers. Unfortunately, many of these talented scientists come from regions around the world where they still face obstacles that impede their research and educational progress, often due to economic hardships and other challenging conditions. Partnering with well-resourced and advanced research facilities can greatly enhance the effectiveness of scientific training endeavors for international students and early career researchers from these developing regions. Thus, providing them with the opportunity to execute research projects in well-supported environments can unlock their full potential and lead to improved results.