News

STEM for Development (SFD) is pleased to announce a new pilot initiative supported by the Talent Mobility Fund (TMF) to connect top emerging scientific talent from the Global South with U.S. research and training opportunities. The initiative will test new models for activating existing exchange mechanisms – including the Research Scholar visa and international mentorship networks – to build scalable pathways that enhance global research collaboration, strengthen recruitment pipelines, and advance the U.S. innovation ecosystem.

The pilot comprises two complementary tracks. The Industry Research Bridge will mobilize top early-career researchers from the Global South through company-led R&D placements under the Research Scholar visa, implemented with Cenet, an exchange visitor program sponsor designated by the U.S. State Department to collaborate with host employers. The program will evaluate how these placements can help U.S. organizations advance critical research endeavors and expand workforce development. The Academic Research Bridge, developed with the RNA Institute at the University at Albany, will engage students in a year-long virtual research mentorship program under U.S. postdoctoral and faculty mentors, testing how structured remote research training can improve readiness and recruitment outcomes for graduate programs across the United States and abroad.

“With the support of TMF, this pilot demonstrates how structured research experiences can translate into tangible recruitment and research outcomes,” said Daniel Schwab, Founder and President of STEM for Development. “By aligning mentorship and mobility, we are showing that existing exchange pathways can serve both U.S. innovation needs and the aspirations of talented scientists worldwide.”

Doug Rand, Co-Director of the Talent Mobility Fund, added: “The Talent Mobility Fund was created to help increase the use of existing legal immigration pathways that connect talent to opportunity. STEM for Development’s pilot exemplifies that mission – it demonstrates how underused exchange frameworks like the Research Scholar program can be activated to add a global perspective to U.S. research while expanding STEM research networks.”

Phil Simon, Chief Business Development and Government Relations Officer at Cenet, noted: “Cenet is proud to support this initiative through our experience with the Research Scholar visa. These placements help institutions and companies access exceptional research talent while ensuring full regulatory compliance and meaningful cultural exchange.”

Dr. Andy Berglund, Director of the RNA Institute at the University at Albany, added: “This collaboration allows our mentors to engage directly with promising students abroad. It strengthens research capacity globally and prepares participants for the rigor of graduate-level research.”

The 12-month pilot will evaluate outcomes such as pathway utilization, research collaboration outcomes, and participant advancement and placement to assess its impact and scalability. Its findings will inform future strategies for scaling skills-based mobility and cross-border scientific exchange.

For U.S. research institutions, laboratories, or employers interested in hosting researchers through the Industry Research Bridge, or in participating in future phases of this pilot or the Academic Research Bridge, please contact info@stemfordevelopment.org.

About STEM for Development

STEM for Development (SFD; stemfordevelopment.org) is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding research and graduate education access for STEM students in the Global South. Through mentorship, training, and international partnerships, SFD builds scalable programs that connect emerging researchers with universities, industries, and laboratories worldwide.

About Cenet

Cenet (Cultural Exchange Network) is an international exchange organization specializing in research and educational placements. Its mission is to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration while supporting excellence in global exchange.

About the RNA Institute, University at Albany

The RNA Institute advances RNA science through interdisciplinary research, training, and innovation. Its programs integrate mentorship and collaborative discovery, supporting students and researchers pursuing impactful careers in the life sciences.

About the Talent Mobility Fund

The Talent Mobility Fund (TMF) is a philanthropic program of Renaissance Philanthropy that empowers individuals to move to opportunity by increasing the utilization of existing legal immigration pathways. TMF operates to strengthen the U.S. STEM workforce, catalyze innovation, and expand pathways for global talent exchange.