Apply for the IDEA2 Public Policy Fellowship
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) and the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) are jointly offering a paid Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accepting, and Accessible (IDEA2) Public Policy Fellowship in the summer of 2024 for current and recent graduate students in the life sciences or a closely related field.
This unique training opportunity provides young scientists with valuable first-hand experience in science policy. The Fellow will have the opportunity to work on a range of science policy projects that could include planning a Capitol Hill science policy briefing, preparing science policy documents, conducting research on science and science education policy initiatives, and attending Congressional and executive branch meetings. The Fellow will work closely with AIBS and SURA policy staff to gain practical experience with science policy and advocacy efforts that inform federal decision-making.
Applicant must be a current graduate (M.S. or Ph.D.) student or within two years of completing a graduate degree in the life sciences or a closely related field, who has a strong interest in science policy. The Fellow will have the option to choose between a 10-week remote or a month-long in-person engagement in the summer of 2024. The Fellow will receive a minimum stipend of $3,000, contingent on active participation. Travel expenses will also be covered.
Applications are due no later than 05:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, March 15, 2024. Learn more about the opportunity and how to apply: https://io.aibs.org/idea2fellow
FY 2024 Appropriations Update
In late January, new topline spending allocations for the 12 fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations bills were privately shared by Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and House Appropriations Chair Kay Granger (R-TX) with the leaders of the respective appropriations subcommittees.
The so called "302(b) allocations" have not been released publicly, but House and Senate appropriators have revealed details that offer some insight into how certain agencies and programs might be funded. Many federal programs will likely be spared the steep funding cuts that House Republicans passed in their appropriations bills last year.
According to E&E News, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), indicated that the Department of Energy could receive a small increase thanks to a slight bump to nondefense spending. The Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are likely to see small funding cuts this fiscal year despite the bipartisan agreement reached last month to keep overall federal spending largely flat. House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) called the new topline allocations a "win," explaining that they keep funding relatively flat compared to the cuts that Republicans had approved last year.
Over the next few weeks, the subcommittees will work towards completing their respective bills before a March 1 or March 8 deadline. As Congress races to finalize FY 2024 appropriations, the White House is gearing up to unveil President Biden's FY 2025 budget request, currently scheduled for release on March 11.
NSF Releases Research Security Training Modules
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched four interactive online research security training modules, available for researchers and institutions across the U.S.
These modules, prompted by a requirement in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, aim to promote "principled international collaboration" while ensuring a secure research environment. The goal is to reconcile the needs of the research, law enforcement, and intelligence communities to pursue trusted global research collaborations while minimizing economic and security risks.
Aligned with President Biden's priorities to strengthen protections for government-supported research as outlined in the National Security Presidential Memorandum - 33, the modules address key concepts of research security, federal disclosure requirements, risk management in international collaborations, and the importance of principled international collaborations for U.S. science, innovation, and economic competitiveness.
Users can access the modules online, and institutions can integrate them into their learning management systems for free.
White House Announces New Climate Envoy
The White House has announced that Democratic strategist John Podesta will replace John Kerry as the United States' chief climate envoy. Kerry will step down from the position later this spring to promote the Administration's work as part of Biden's reelection campaign, after three years in the role.
Kerry, a veteran diplomat helped craft the 2015 Paris climate agreement, and also led the U.S. team in complex negotiations at the recent COP28 climate talks in Dubai.
Podesta is currently responsible for overseeing clean energy expenditure at the White House under the climate law known as the Inflation Reduction Act. He intends to continue managing this portfolio in his new role. Podesta's title will differ from Kerry's, as he will serve as a senior adviser to the President for international climate policy at the White House, rather than the U.S. special presidential envoy for climate at the State Department. This distinction allows Podesta to sidestep a recently enacted law requiring Senate confirmation of State Department special envoys.
NSF Establishes 10 Regional Innovation Engines Across the US
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched the Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program, awarding 10 teams across 18 states with a potential investment of nearly $1.6 billion over the next decade. The goal is to transform each region into a self-sustaining hub of economic activity driven by technology and innovation.
Each NSF Engine will initially receive up to $15 million for two years, with NSF's $150 million investment matched "nearly two to one" by commitments from state and local governments, other federal agencies, philanthropy, and private industry. In a press release, the White House detailed how other agencies will support the NSF Engines through an "all-of-government strategy."
The program, in line with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, aims to foster science and technology leadership for regional economic competitiveness. The 10 inaugural NSF Engines include projects focused on semiconductor innovation, climate resilience, water innovation, energy transition, textile innovation, agriculture technology, defense and aerospace innovation, regenerative medicine, sustainability, and energy storage.
The NSF Engines program, initiated in May 2022 by the new Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP), received nearly 700 concept outlines from across the US. The program is designed to maximize regional vitality and long-term success through partnerships and innovation.
AIBS Signs on to Letter Supporting Increased Funding for NIAID
Last year, the U.S. House proposed a 23 percent cut to the budget of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in fiscal year (FY) 2024. AIBS has signed on to a community letter urging appropriators to provide the boosted funding NIAID needs to meet its critical, multi-faceted mission.
The letter makes the case for NIAID's critical work to alleviate coronaviruses, sepsis, antimicrobial resistance, autoimmune diseases, and other current and future health challenges.
Read the letter.
Science Coalition Urges Appropriators to Provide Highest Possible Funding for NSF in FY 2024
The Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF)--an alliance of more than 140 professional organizations, scientific societies, universities, and businesses that advocate for the National Science Foundation (NSF)--has called on congressional appropriators to fund NSF at the highest possible level in fiscal year (FY) 2024 and to use supplemental funding to bring NSF funding to the level authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act. AIBS is a member of CNSF.
The letter also thanks appropriators for protecting NSF in a difficult funding climate and notes the importance of protecting funding for the Directorate for STEM Education.
Read the letter.
Participate in the 2024 AIBS Congressional Visits Day
Join the American Institute of Biological Sciences on April 15-17, 2024 for our annual Congressional Visits Day in Washington, DC.
Meet with your members of Congress to help them understand the important role the federal government plays in supporting the biological sciences. Advocate for federal investments in biological sciences research supported by the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies.
Participants will complete a communications and advocacy training program provided by AIBS that prepares them to be effective advocates for their science. AIBS will provide participants with background information and materials, as well as arrange meetings with lawmakers on April 17.
Who should participate?
Scientists, graduate students, educators, or other science community members who are interested in advocating for scientific research and education are encouraged to participate in this important event.
The ideal participant will:
- Have an interest in science policy.
- Work in a scientific profession or be enrolled in graduate school.
- Be able to speak about the importance of biological research funded by federal agencies (e.g. NSF, NIH, USDA).
- Provide compelling examples from their own experiences.
Training
The event includes a free, half-day training session on how to be an effective advocate for science policy. This training session will be held on April 16, 2024 and is mandatory for everyone who will be participating in congressional meetings.
Additionally, participants have the option to attend the highly acclaimed AIBS Communications Boot Camp for Scientists. This training course will be held in Washington, DC on April 15-16, 2024. This professional development program provides practical instruction and interactive exercises designed to help scientists (e.g. researchers, graduate students, administrators, educators) translate scientific information for non-technical audiences and to effectively engage with decision-makers and the news media. All participants who complete this optional training will receive priority access to the Congressional Visits Day and a certificate of completion indicating that they have successfully completed 16 hours of communications training. Click here for more information, including cost, for this two-day training program.
Registration
Express your interest in participating in the event by registering. Registration closes on March 1, 2024. Space is limited and we encourage you to register early. If registrations exceed program capacity, AIBS may prioritize registrants based on participation in the boot camp training, geographic diversity, and other factors. Register now.
Short Takes
- The Department of Energy (DOE) issued an updated scientific integrity policy on January 19, introducing some new requirements while largely maintaining existing processes for researchers. Notably, the new policy explicitly prohibits DOE personnel from "suppressing, unduly delaying, or altering scientific or technological findings" for reasons, including "political purposes" - a specification absent in the previous policy. Additionally, the updated policy emphasizes whistleblower protections and mandates an annual report on the state of scientific integrity within the DOE. The changes aim to align DOE's policy with the 2023 Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice by the National Science and Technology Council.
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation are continuing their partnership for the second year to support the use of evidence-based approaches in conservation efforts to protect diverse species and ecosystems across the United States and associated territories. The Partnership to Advance Conservation Science and Practice (PACSP) program seeks proposals that involve the implementation of conservation activities based on conservation science principles via academic-conservation organization partnerships. PACSP Program Directors are hosting a webinar on Monday, February 12, 3:00-4:00 PM ET to present the solicitation. Learn more about the program.
- NSF is seeking nominations for the National Medal of Science (NMS) from February 5 through May 3, 2024. NMS is the highest recognition the nation can bestow on scientists and engineers. An informational webinar on the call for nomination process will be held on March 12, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET. Registration is required. The United States Patent and Trademark Office is also seeking nominations for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
From the Federal Register
The following items appeared in the Federal Register from January 29 to February 9, 2024.
Agriculture
Commerce
Environmental Protection Agency
Health and Human Services
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Interior
National Science Foundation