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.
House Passes HEROES Act, Scientific Community Continues to Advocate for Relief
May 21, 2020
The House of Representatives passed the most recent COVID-19 emergency response legislation, Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions, or The Heroes Act, on Friday, May 15. The proposal would increase aid for state, local and tribal governments on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis; extend unemployment insurance benefits; provide more direct payments to Americans; and provide a variety of investments in the public health infrastructure. Research-related
read moreFABBS Responds to OSTP Request for Feedback on Open Access
May 21, 2020
On May 6, FABBS responded to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) request for information (RFI) on options for increasing public access to research papers, data, and code. FABBS expressed a shared commitment to increasing availability of published federally funded research, citing the efforts of our societies to create open access journals and shortening embargo periods. FABBS also acknowledged the shortcomings of the current model while expressing
read moreNIH Leadership Creates Working Group on Behavioral and Social Science Research and NIMH Releases Updated Strategic Plan
May 21, 2020
The NIH Council of Councils met – with members attending virtually – on May 15th. On the agenda was a proposal to create a working group on Behavioral and Social Science Research. Dr. William Riley, Director of the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research, presented the goal of the group, to identify emerging and promising basic research with a plausible pathway to application, including new interventions to improve health.
Dr. Riley explained
read moreCOVID-19 and Increased Racial Discrimination
April 30, 2020
The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting almost every aspect of our daily lives. Beyond the catastrophic physical health and economic implications, the pandemic is introducing new challenges in the scientific research enterprise, including the stigmatization of Asians. A report by the Asian Pacific Policy Planning Council indicates that racial discrimination incidents have increased since the beginning of the pandemic.
On March 5, Rep. Grace
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