The White House earlier today announced a $1 billion plan to establish no less than twelve federal research centers that will focus their work on two of the hottest topics in science and technology at the moment — artificial intelligence and quantum information science.
The move comes as criticism over a talent shortage in these fields is reaching new levels. In part, the problem is the result of a surge of students who enroll in computer science programs at many universities, who can’t seem to keep up with the demand. Additionally, the Trump administration issued a halt on high-skilled H-1B visa holders entry into the US. The administration has even explored the possibility of removing international students’ ability to work for up to three years in the US after they graduate.
