FABBS reports on items of interest to many communities – scientists, policymakers, and the public. In our news, you will see updates on science funding and policy, articles that translate research for policy, and descriptions of the research contributions of scientists at all stages of their research careers.
Executive Order Affecting Foreign Students Expected
June 17, 2020
On June 2, a group of 21 Republican House Representatives sent a letter to the Departments of State and Homeland Security outlining the importance of attracting international students to the United States and expressing support for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT enables international students to work in the U.S. for one to three years post graduation.
The letter describes how international students make significant intellectual and economic
read moreStatement from FABBS President, Roxane Cohen Silver
June 4, 2020
Dear Colleagues:
FABBS would like to join the voices of the Societies and universities that make up our Federation in decrying the overt racism we have seen in the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery; the implicit racism we have seen in the disproportionate deaths to COVID of African Americans; and the ongoing police brutality against peaceful protest and expressions of support for the value of Black lives. In my
read moreQ&A with the Vision Sciences Society on their Upcoming Virtual Meeting
June 4th, 2020
VSS surveyed members when considering hosting a virtual conference; what did you learn from the responses?
It was clear that there was a significant appetite for a virtual meeting, particularly among students and post-docs. That said, we also learned that not everyone thought they would participate. Some are facing significant personal and professional challenges brought on by COVID-19, and others indicated that the thing they value most in our annual meeting is
read moreLawmakers Propose Significant Changes to and Funding for NSF
June 4th, 2020
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), with House sponsors Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI), introduced The Endless Frontier Act on May 21. The legislation (pg 2597) (S. 3832), would make significant changes to the structure of the National Science Foundation (NSF), creating a new Directorate of Technology and renaming NSF to be the National Science and Technology Foundation. S. 3832 authorizes $100 billion for
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