Michael Kratsios urges more US training for science and tech jobs

In short: A top US science adviser said the country should put more effort into training young Americans for science and technology careers, rather than relying mainly on high-skilled immigration.

What's going on

Michael Kratsios, a science adviser in the Trump administration, made the case in an Interesting Times episode published on October 22, 2026. He argued that the US needs a stronger “STEM pipeline,” meaning a steady path that helps students move from school into science and engineering careers (like a feeder road that keeps traffic moving onto a highway).

Kratsios pointed to computer science Ph.D. programs. A Ph.D. is the highest university degree, usually needed for many research jobs. He said the share of US citizens earning computer science Ph.D.s has changed from about 70 percent in the early 2000s to about 30 percent today, with foreign nationals making up the larger share. The video did not independently verify those figures, and it did not show that immigration caused the shift.

He also claimed that foreign postdoctoral researchers, often called postdocs (early-career researchers working after a Ph.D.), can be paid less than Americans. Kratsios argued this could make research careers less appealing to Americans.

At the same time, the conversation highlighted the role of immigrant scientists. Host Tyler Cowen noted that four recent National Medal of Science recipients were immigrants and asked if the US should expand high-skilled immigration. Kratsios emphasized building domestic training and incentives, and he did not argue for shutting out foreign talent.

What to watch

Kratsios backed programs meant to boost US-grown talent, including reviving an NSF Young Scholars program for K to 12 students and a $50 million “NextGen Workforce” effort for a faster bachelor’s-to-Ph.D. track. A key question is whether these investments can widen opportunities for US students while the country still attracts and keeps researchers from abroad.

Source: NYTimes