Arizona State University has long been distinguished as a national leader in science and technology policy.
ASU in Washington D.C.
Federal science and policy engagement
Over the last 20 years, the university has systematically reoriented its research enterprise to advance innovation that benefits society — increasing its federally funded research expenditures six-fold over. In Washington, D.C., ASU draws upon this experience and expertise to support the federal government in developing policy that strengthens American competitiveness and security and drives social and technological progress, while also the engaging the public to advance science policy dialogue and increase scientific literacy. ASU’s approach represents a new paradigm for university engagement with the federal government that leverages transdisciplinary expertise to inform and shape federal strategy for making research investments and serve as a resource to policymakers to support effective decision-making across numerous fields.
Supporting and shaping federal research priorities
Strengthening American leadership in microelectronics
ASU’s presence in Washington, D.C. enables the university to leverage its deep connections to the microelectronics industry, along with faculty expertise in engineering and science and technology, to support the U.S. government’s policy objectives in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, research and development. Aligning with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and its goal of creating a resilient microelectronics innovation infrastructure, ASU convenes key stakeholders in America’s microelectronics ecosystem, including leaders from government and top enterprises and associations in the industry, and members of ASU’s Microelectronics Industry Council—enabling co-creation of solutions that secure the nation’s commercial, defense and energy futures.
ASU also plays a leadership role in the Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub, one of the first CHIPS and Science Act funding awards. Bringing together more than 70 leading regional and national partners from the semiconductor and defense industries, academia and national laboratories, the SWAP hub works to develop innovative microelectronics prototypes and capabilities that serve national defense needs.
Research Engagement Office
Connecting ASU innovation with national research priorities
Strategically located in Washington, D.C., ASU’s Research Engagement Office (REO) serves as a connector between ASU and national science stakeholders. Through engagement, dialogue and collaboration with federal agencies, think tanks, universities and scientific organizations, REO advances a mutual understanding of science, technology and societal needs. REO also elevates ASU’s research impact by supporting and elevating the visibility of ASU’s faculty. As a comprehensive support system for faculty members, REO helps them to navigate research opportunities, undertake national leadership roles, obtain advisory appointments and make meaningful contributions to critical policy discussions. REO also works to diversify ASU's research portfolio and engage the university in critical fields like national security, energy, health and more. To learn more about REO, please contact Matt Hulver, Vice President of Knowledge Enterprise Initiatives, at matthew.hulver@asu.edu.
Policy support and engagement
Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes
Enabling better science and technology decision-making
The Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes (CSPO) is a nationally distinctive academic network aimed at enhancing the contribution of science and technology to America’s pursuit of equality, justice, freedom and a high quality of life. CSPO’s Washington, D.C. office supports policymakers and institutions to understand and fulfill the potential of science and technology to transform society through communication, convening, educational programs, strategic partnerships and community building among science policy scholars and practitioners.
The Consortium draws on ASU’s deep bench of science and technology policy expertise, as well as the university’s connections to numerous academic institutions that enable research-based approaches to effective policymaking and utilization of public resources for scientific research. CSPO’s work represents ASU’s deep commitment as a public enterprise committed to leveraging scientific knowledge and research for social transformation.
Government and Community Engagement
Driving effective legislation and impact
ASU’s Office of Government and Community Engagement (GCE) represents ASU on Capitol Hill and supports legislative priorities in the interest of ASU, Arizona and the nation — in areas as diverse as strengthening American microelectronics innovation and manufacturing, advancing space exploration, ensuring water sustainability for the Southwest and enabling international academic partnerships. With a permanent presence in the Barrett & O’Connor Center, GCE advances ASU’s leadership in Washington by liaising with Arizona’s Congressional Delegation and other Members of Congress and participating in multiple national associations. GCE also provides assistance to faculty and staff on federal legislative issues.
For faculty and staff requests, click here. For other constituent requests, contact Matthew Simon, Associate Vice President of Federal & State Relations, at matthew.d.simon@asu.edu.
Science communication
Future Tense
A citizen’s guide to the future
A partnership with Slate and New America, ASU’s Future Tense is a media and convening platform that explores how emerging technologies will change the way we live. Future Tense seeks to understand the latest technological and scientific breakthroughs and what they mean for governance, society and the environment.
Issues in Science and Technology
Advancing socially constructive science policy
Issues in Science and Technology is a quarterly journal published by ASU and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that advances informed and accessible discussion around science and technology policy. Issues allows researchers and leaders in government, civil society and the private sector to share insights and facilitate public discussion in how to leverage knowledge and innovation to achieve social goals.