QUALITY EDUCATION FOR MINORITIES (QEM) NETWORK PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2025
Contact: Shaunette Bishop
202-659-1818/sbishop@qem.org
QEM Launches Research-HEROES to Expand Research Capacity at American Colleges and Universities
No Cost Capacity Development and Technical Assistance Program for IHEs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Effective Today— The QEM Network (QEM) today announced the launch of Hiring Experienced Researchers to Optimize Ecosystems in STEM (Research-HEROES), a national initiative designed to strengthen research ecosystems at less-resourced colleges and universities by deploying former federal research scientists to support capacity development in high-priority, high-impact fields. Research-HEROES focuses on expanding institutional research capacity in biotechnology, data science, quantum energy, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and STEM workforce development while building durable connections between science, policy, and practice.
Research-HEROES addresses persistent gaps in research infrastructure by recruiting 25 experienced federal scientists, referred to as “HEROES,” to the first cohort and making their expertise available for regional higher education ecosystems. Through technical assistance, training, and mentorship, HEROES will support faculty and institutions as they pursue competitive research funding, develop cross-sector partnerships, and strengthen long-term research sustainability.
“Research-HEROES is about democratizing access to expertise that has traditionally been concentrated in well-resourced institutions,” say QEM Network President, Dr. Erin Lynch. “By mobilizing former federal researchers, we are accelerating research readiness, empowering scientists, and building inclusive innovation networks across the country for our institutions.”
Beginning February 2026, QEM Research-HEROES will be available for designated States and Regions of Service (S/ROS), with priority given to the state in which each HEROES resides, for provision of free virtual and face-to-face technical support to institutions in their S/ROS. A free national webinar series will be provided through the QEM-HEROES program.
An inaugural $3 million investment for this program has been provided by Google. The anticipated outcomes include reaching over 500 colleges and universities a year, and over 5,000 faculty, staff, and students at these institutions across the country.
About QEM
Established in 1990, the QEM Network is a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Baton-Rouge, Louisiana, dedicated to improving education throughout the nation. QEM seeks to put into practice the recommendations in the QEM Action Plan by working with individuals, organizations, and institutions around the country to help coordinate and energize efforts to improve the education of domestic talent, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Learn more at QEM.org
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