I’ve covered the need for NIST funding before – well, I’m not alone. From the Washington Post, Leading AI companies, universities, and civil society groups are urging Congress to expand funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the growing work of its AI Safety Institute. The request for additional funding comes in response to years of funding challenges that have left NIST with limited resources and facilities, threatening its ability to oversee advanced AI systems. The letter, signed by over 80 organizations, including Amazon, OpenAI, the ACLU, and MIT, emphasizes the importance of NIST’s role in maintaining America’s technological leadership and calls for Congress to prioritize NIST’s funding request of $47.7 million. The recent hires and budget increase proposed in the White House’s 2025 budget request are seen as positive steps, but the letter’s authors argue that more funding is needed to advance AI research and testing.
And while I’m on funding, Women Who Code, a non-profit organization supporting women in the tech industry, has announced its closure due to the loss of critical funding. The organization aimed to promote diversity and inclusivity and had a global network of over 360,000 members. Despite hosting numerous events and providing scholarships, Women Who Code will no longer be able to offer program services or hold future events.
Why do we care?
Funding is everything, and without it, organizations wither and die. It’s a critical loss of Women Who Code. So if you believe in the mission of NIST here, urge for funding. For stakeholders and advocates in the tech community, these developments serve as a call to action to support funding initiatives that empower both regulatory bodies and diversity-promoting organizations. It’s a reminder that advocacy, public support, and strategic funding are crucial for sustaining the ecosystems that will define the future of technology. For those who believe in these causes, engaging with policymakers, contributing to discussions, and supporting funding initiatives are tangible ways to make a difference, ensuring that these critical institutions and organizations can continue their valuable work.