Govt Loses STEM PhDs, Posing National Risk

A critical loss of skilled workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is significantly diminishing the U.S. government's technical capacity. Since 2017, more than 10,000 individuals with doctorates in these fields have departed federal service, a trend that poses substantial risks far beyond isolated incidents like the recent Voyager 1 spacecraft repair.

The government uniquely funds long-term research, such as the foundational work for the internet and modern cancer treatments, and manages crucial infrastructure requiring specialized, long-term oversight. The departure of experts who possess decades of specific knowledge, like those managing nuclear materials, leaves a void that cannot be quickly filled.

This attrition of talent, driven by factors making government work intolerable for top performers, mirrors detrimental strategies that prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability. This approach risks repeating costly failures seen in defense procurement, where cutbacks in civilian expertise led to massive budget overruns and delays.

The consequences of this loss are multifaceted, ranging from immediate operational impacts to failures that may take years to surface. Unlike businesses that can declare bankruptcy, the government must manage essential, non-negotiable responsibilities like nuclear waste containment, where the loss of critical knowledge could have dire, long-lasting effects.