Overview

Stony Brook University has deep partnerships with federal government agencies and strong relationships with our federal representatives. 

The federal government invests millions of dollars in research at Stony Brook University through the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other agencies.  In addition, Stony Brook University serves as a managing partner of the DOE's Brookhaven National Laboratory where we have joint faculty and research appointments and we are currently the Lab's largest research user.

University Government Relations staff regularly arrange meetings with members of congress to update them on Stony Brook's progress and educate them on any legislative impacts to the University’s academic and health care priorities, including financial aid.  We also provide assistance when inviting federal representatives to campus.

Stony Brook University is a member of national organizations such as the Association of American Universities (AAU) – a non-profit association of the top 62 public and private research universities in North America, The Science Coalition (TSC),  Association of Academic Medical Centers (AAMC), National Association of Public Hospitals (NAPH) and others.  We join with these organizations to help formulate legislative policy and regulations that enable Stony Brook and other research facilities to advance the nation's research success.

As one of four research centers in the SUNY system and the only SUNY research center with a hospital and medical school, Stony Brook University is a recognized and admired institution in the halls of the State Capitol.

Government Relations works closely with state representatives as well as the Governor's office, leadership in both the Senate and Assembly, and Chairs of the higher education, health, economic development committees and others.  Stony Brook depends on budget decisions to fund University operations including critical maintenance and capital improvements.  We advocate on legislative matters such as NYSUNY 2020, which has enabled Stony Brook University to hire over 200 new faculty, add 110 course sections and provide a predictable tuition plan for our students.

Through its relationships with SUNY and the State Legislature, Stony Brook University has advanced itself as a leading national research center – in particular, Stony Brook's Advanced Energy and Research Technology Center (AERTC) and its New York State Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) are leaders in research and development.  President Stanley serves on the Governor's Economic Regional Council for Long Island and Stony Brook partners with agencies such as New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and is a member of the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium.

As Long Island's largest single site-employer, Stony Brook University is a principle driver of the Long Island and regional economy.  We interact closely with local elected officials and governments and consider ourselves an integral part of the local community.

The University has fostered partnerships with Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven that have enabled us to communicate on issues important to neighboring residents and business owners.  Our local elected officials are also regular visitors to campus and we’re appreciative of their interaction with University administration and students.