At Research on Capitol Hill last week, I had the opportunity to witness the energy and ambition of students immersing themselves in hands-on discovery. These students weren’t just studying problems—they were solving them. Through research, they gained more than knowledge; they built critical thinking skills, collaborated with mentors, and engaged in the kind of learning that prepares them to lead in their fields. Whether they are studying water sustainability, advancing medical breakthroughs, or exploring the future of food, their work matters. And it’s not just about today — it’s about where research can take us in the years ahead. This is where faculty play a key role — mentoring the next generation of researchers while driving innovations that will define the future of critical technologies.

The latest ASPI Two-Decade Critical Technology Tracker highlights an urgent reality: the U.S. must stay competitive in critical technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and biomedical research. The work showcased is a testament to how early research experiences lay the foundation for future breakthroughs, shaping industries and driving innovation. We often think of national competitiveness as something decided in boardrooms or legislative chambers, but in reality, it begins in university labs, classrooms, and early research experiences like those showcased today.

At Research on Capitol Hill, we saw firsthand how early research experiences shape future innovators. But what happens next? The ASPI Two-Decade Critical Technology Tracker highlights the global stakes of critical technologies, reinforcing the urgency of investing in research at all levels — from student-led projects to national-scale initiatives. That means making sure our work reaches the right people, whether that’s policymakers shaping the future of water use, industry partners developing new medical technologies, or communities looking for answers to today’s most pressing challenges.

At the University of Utah, we believe in encouraging collaboration across disciplines, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that research leads to action. That starts by supporting the next generation of researchers — those who will drive the future of innovation, economic growth, and technological leadership.

Erin Rothwell, PhD

Vice President for Research

📌 Full report available here: ASPI Two-Decade Critical Technology Tracker