The Science Coalition Welcomes Abigail Robbins as New President
The Science Coalition (TSC) is thrilled to welcome Abigail Robbins from Northeastern University as its new president in 2025.
Abigail’s experience at the intersection of academia and the public sector, along with her tireless advocacy for federally funded scientific research, will help guide TSC’s critical mission and activities in today’s challenging legislative environment.
Abigail has spent the past two years as a TSC Board Member and previously served as vice president, where she championed initiatives that enhanced TSC member engagement and its visibility on Capitol Hill. Her work with Northeastern University and prior experience with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has offered her unique insight into the higher education research ecosystem.
Beyond her professional credentials, Abigail holds a master’s from George Washington University and is currently pursuing her doctorate with Northeastern University, studying factors influencing federal funding levels for defense research universities nationwide. Her unique proximity to the academic community as a doctoral candidate brings fresh energy and a new perspective to TSC’s leadership.
TSC sat down with Abigail to learn more about her background and vision for TSC in 2025. (The below Q-A was edited for length and clarity.)
What excites you most about stepping into the role of TSC President?
I am honored to step into this important leadership role at TSC, especially at a time when our nation’s research enterprise is at a critical crossroads. We face challenges ranging from global competition to the need for breakthroughs in areas like defense, technology, national security, health care, and manufacturing. I’m looking forward to collaborating with our member institutions, policymakers, and fellow researchers to ensure that federal investments in science remain a top national priority so that the United States can continue to lead the world in economic output and technological innovation.
How has your experience at Northeastern shaped your approach to advocating for research and innovation?
My time at Northeastern, both as a professional and as a doctoral student, has profoundly shaped my approach to advocating for federally funded research. Through my doctoral studies, which focus on the factors influencing federal funding levels for defense research at universities nationwide, I’ve gained a deep understanding of, and appreciation for, how government investment in university research drives innovation and bridges government-identified technological expertise gaps in support of national security.
Northeastern’s emphasis on experiential learning, including the opportunity to work with, and learn from, the professors conducting federally funded research in both my professional and student roles at Northeastern has reinforced the importance of connecting research to tangible outcomes that resonate with policymakers and the public.
In your opinion, what role does fundamental scientific research play in addressing today’s most pressing challenges?
The scientific research conducted by American colleges and universities lays the groundwork for tomorrow’s solutions and technological advancements. Our institutions’ researchers make discoveries that help improve the health, wellness, and overall quality of life for the American people and revolutionize fields including artificial intelligence, aerospace, and biotechnology. Sustained federal funding in basic scientific research is crucial to tackling today’s most complex and pressing challenges – and equip us to excel in myriad areas in both the short and long term.
How can universities better communicate the value of federally funded research to policymakers and the public?
Universities can engage policymakers through tailored storytelling that presents the business case for federally funded research. It is vital to highlight the economic and societal benefits of federally funded research by showcasing how it drives job creation, spurs innovation, and strengthens local and national economies. This approach offers policymakers a fresh perspective on how federal funding impacts their constituents and the economic prosperity of the country.
What are your top priorities for TSC in the coming year?
This year, my focus is on strengthening TSC’s role and presence on Capitol Hill as a champion for federally funded research by highlighting the corresponding transformative societal impacts. In doing so, we will continue to recognize members of Congress from both sides of the aisle whose actions and votes consistently reflect support for fundamental scientific research. These efforts will ensure that TSC remains a leader in advocating for federally funded scientific research as a cornerstone of American competitiveness.
Read Abigail Robbins’ bio here.