Carnegie Mellon University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Innamorato Transition Team Suggests New Administration’s Priorities for Allegheny County
November 8, 2023

CMU president, Farnam Jahanian, served as co-chair of County Executive Sara Innamorato's Talent Committee, supporting her in seeking talented leaders to join her administration. The Innamorato Administration is committed to a vision of County government that embodies honesty, transparency, and responsiveness while delivering the highest quality services to all our residents and the talent committee focused on “recruiting dedicated and diverse leaders” to join county government. President Jahanian's subcommittee was responsible for reviewing and selecting candidates for the County Sustainability Director position. 

Local organizations and business leaders voice support to Pitt's fight for funding
June 14, 2022

As the deadline for the Pennsylvania state government to vote on its appropriated funding bill approaches, the University of Pittsburgh is ramping up its advocacy campaign to secure funding as a state-related university. Many local companies and groups are throwing their support behind the university, including CMU president, Farnam Jahanian. “Because of the strong partnership between Pitt and CMU, Pittsburgh has become one of the leading innovation ecosystems in the country,” said Carnegie Mellon President Farnam Jahanian. “Many more people [in Pennsylvania] will have the opportunity to participate in our economic future as a result of our collaborative efforts.”

A 10-year plan to build more housing, revitalize public spaces, and improve cleanliness, safety, and affordability in Downtown Pittsburgh
October 25, 2024

President Jahanian publicly announced his support of Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro's plan to revitalize downtown Pittsburgh with targeted investments from the Commonwealth, local government, the private sector, and philanthropic organizations. He states that he applauds "Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and public and private sector partners from across Pittsburgh for announcing a multimillion dollar collaborative investment in revitalizing the city’s downtown neighborhood. This is a resounding vote of confidence in our city's capacity to lead the way in American innovation, collaboration and emerging technologies and a powerful step forward in realizing our region's bright future."

Gov. Shapiro Creates AI Governing Board to Steer the State’s Use of Generative AI
September 20, 2023

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to create a AI governing board for Pennsylvania that will guide the commonwealth’s use of generative artificial intelligence, including developing training programs for state employees. Shapiro signed the order at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, which will work with the AI governing board to guide the state’s use of the technology. “Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming nearly every sector of our economy,” CMU President Farnam Jahanian said at the event. “I’m grateful to have a leader in Harrisburg that recognizes the potential and the urgency of this moment.”

CMU President Jahanian Joined U.S. President at Signing of the Historic CHIPS and Science Act
August 9, 2022

Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian joined President Joe Biden today for the signing into law of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The CHIPS Act is a $280 billion package aimed at boosting semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. and improving competitiveness with China. The Act also provides tens of billions of dollars to fund scientific research and development, and to spur the innovation and development of other U.S. technology.

"It is a privilege to represent Carnegie Mellon University at the White House as President Biden signs the CHIPS and Science Act," Jahanian said. "This historic piece of legislation — the result of extraordinary bipartisan cooperation in the House and Senate over several years representing all corners of the nation — will shape the next frontier of science and technology and catalyze long-term economic growth.

"Now the real work begins: mobilizing academia, industry, government, workers and local communities all across the U.S. to collaborate in unprecedented, innovative ways to turn this once-in-a-generation opportunity into real impact to benefit all Americans."

President Jahanian to Provide Congressional Testimony About Future of American Innovation
April 14, 2021

Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian will testify before the House Science, Space and Technology Committee on Thursday, April 15, during a virtual hearing titled “Reimagining Our Innovation Future.”

The hearing will highlight the committee’s bipartisan National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Future Act. The proposed legislation seeks to advance U.S. competitiveness by dramatically expanding federal support for basic research and accelerating technology transfer on a scale not seen since the mid 20^th century.

President Jahanian’s remarks will focus on the nation’s need to increase research funding to solve societal challenges and expand the national research infrastructure. He will talk about investing in talent, including doubling the number of graduate students and post-doctoral researchers in science and engineering and recruiting the world’s brightest minds. 

U.S. Department of Energy Partners With Carnegie Mellon to Launch the 2022 Global Clean Energy Action Forum
June 2022

University Delegates Participate in Conference of the Parties

In December 2023, CMU delegates attended the 28^th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Conference of the Parties (COP). Carnegie Mellon University had great representation at COP28. From participation in panel discussions, such as “Revisiting SDG7: Challenges and Opportunities.”, to presentations on research, giving talks, and may delegates had direct conversations with political and climate leaders.