Dilip Gersappe, Stony Brook University’s chair of the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, traveled to the nation’s capital earlier this month to advocate for strong federal investments in defense-related research as part of the current FY26 federal appropriations discussions on Capitol Hill. His visit comes amid a global push for scientific and technological progress, underscoring the importance of continued U.S. leadership in foundational research and innovation.
During his visit, Professor Gersappe met with senior staff from the New York congressional delegation, including representatives from the offices of Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Nick LaLota. He also participated in joint meetings with defense staffers of the North Dakota congressional delegation, reflecting his department’s active collaboration with the University of North Dakota on federally funded research initiatives in advanced material science critical to national defense.
“Our research ecosystem plays a pivotal role in advancing the technologies that underpin both national defense and civilian progress,” said Gersappe. “Federal support for defense research fuels fundamental discoveries that lead to breakthroughs in materials science, energy storage, AI, and quantum computing — areas that impact every sector of society.”
Gersappe emphasized the vital role of academic institutions in conducting long-term, high-risk research that industry often cannot pursue on its own. He highlighted the importance of partnerships between universities, federal agencies and the private sector in moving innovations from the lab into practical applications that benefit the broader economy and society.
With federal budget negotiations underway, Gersappe’s message to federal policymakers was clear: sustained investment in research is essential not only for national preparedness but also for maintaining the United States’ position as a global leader in science and technology.
The Hill visit by Gersappe was coordinated by Stony Brook University’s Office of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C., which works daily with the New York congressional delegation, federal agencies, the Administration and Stony Brook’s national research association partners to advocate for all Stony Brook federal research priorities.
Add comment