For University of New Mexico Assistant Professor Anna Nelson and her colleagues, MathSciOnTheHill became more than a day of advocacy, providing a firsthand look at how research funding decisions move through Congress.
Nelson joined representatives from New Mexico laboratories, math camps, and former UNM undergraduate and dual-credit students as part of a nationwide delegation of 293 mathematical scientists during the national advocacy event focused on federal support for the mathematical sciences. Participants from 47 states and 176 unique districts attended the event held on Jan. 8 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
They met with lawmakers and staff to emphasize the importance of sustained federal investment in mathematics research, education, and workforce development. In one day, the mathematicians held 274 meetings with congressional offices.
The UNM delegation met with staff from the offices of U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury. During the meetings, they expressed appreciation for the continued support of National Science Foundation programs and highlighted the impact of federal funding on research and education at the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels.
Afterwards, Rep. Stansbury joined the New Mexico contingent for an extended discussion and invited them to the U.S. House gallery. There, they observed the bipartisan passage of an appropriations bill that includes funding for the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 2026.
Nelson shared the excitement they felt during the gathering.
“We were very excited to go to the Hill as individuals to advocate for the mathematical sciences broadly to both our senators and to Rep. Stansbury. It was incredibly exciting to be in the House chambers when that was passed!” said Nelson.
Participants said the experience reinforced the value of direct engagement between researchers and policymakers and underscored how mathematics underpins innovation across science, technology, and education.
The evening before their Capitol Hill visits, MathSciOnTheHill participants attended an orientation organized by the American Mathematical Society (AMS) and its partner organizations, which represent 12 national mathematics and science societies. Many attendees were already in Washington for the 2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings.
“Working together with the partner societies really helps to amplify our messaging to Congress, that the potential applications of math that they can unleash through robust congressional funding,” said Karen Saxe, senior vice president, AMS Government Relations.
Participants wore matching striped scarves to stand out on Capitol Hill, a lighthearted symbol that sparked conversations with congressional staff throughout the day. Many advocates described the experience as both educational and energizing, especially for first-time visitors to Capitol Hill.
“I was truly inspired by the advocates on the Hill,” said Tyler Kloefkorn, associate vice president in the AMS Office of Government Relations. “Students, educators, researchers, and industry professionals all came prepared to share how federal funding supports their work and their communities.”
MathSciOnTheHill inspired the New Mexico delegation to continue advocating for the role of the mathematical sciences in research, education, and economic development.
Kloefkorn said the event happened because many organizations and communities came together, supported one another, and worked to communicate their shared values and needs. “Let’s do this again every year!”