Stony Brook University recently participated in a significant national research advocacy meeting held in Washington, D.C., on June 4. The event was a joint effort by the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), and The Science Coalition (TSC). It gathered university federal relations leaders, policymakers, science industry experts, and top White House science officials to discuss the future of federally funded scientific research.
Lauren Brookmeyer, Stony Brook University's Associate Vice President for Federal Relations, played a central leadership role at the meeting. As the current chair of the APLU Council on Governmental Affairs and former president of The Science Coalition, she coordinated the event and moderated a panel discussion titled “Complementary & Collaborative Forces in American Innovation: An Industry Perspective on the National Research Ecosystem.” Brookmeyer emphasized that "the American innovation ecosystem depends on robust, sustained partnerships between universities, industry, and government laboratories."
The meeting featured discussions with Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Additionally, Dr. Arun Seraphin, an esteemed alumnus of Stony Brook University and executive director of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), participated in a defense research panel. Dr. Seraphin stated that universities become "indispensable partners in driving America’s innovation agenda" when they share their research stories addressing national priorities.
The gathering highlighted how universities like Stony Brook play an essential role in scientific discoveries and training future STEM leaders while supporting federal policymaking development. Attendees strategized ways to communicate university-based research's public value to Congress, federal agencies, and the American public.
Brookmeyer's leadership at this meeting reflects Stony Brook's growing influence in national science policy circles as it continues to elevate its federal engagement to support its higher education mission as part of SUNY.