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.
Using Data from Natural Experiments, Researcher Documents Social Returns from Educational Investments
Emily Rauscher, PhD
Want to narrow the achievement gap? Try investing in education. Build a new school or a new wing. Or make other capital improvements, like fixing the HVAC.
It will take about six years, explains Emily Rauscher, an associate professor of sociology at Brown University; but in that time, school districts that passed bond measures for capital improvements by and large saw a roughly one-third reduction in the achievement gap between students from well-to-do backgrounds
read moreHouse and Senate Committees Review NSF Funding Proposals
The funding process for federal agencies and programs follows, in theory, a two step process. First, Congress considers authorizing legislation, which can establish, continue, eliminate, or modify federal programs. While these bills provide funding guidance, they do not directly appropriate funds. It is common for federal agencies to continue to operate even when authorizations expire. Following authorization, Congress passes appropriations bills to fund government operations. Appropriations
read morePresident Biden Releases ‘Skinny’ Budget
On April 9, the Administration released the President’s “Skinny” Budget, an overview of the in-depth funding request for fiscal year (FY) 2022 that is expected in the coming months. While lacking detail, the budget provides important insights into the new Administration’s priorities. Overall, the request proposes $769 billion in non-defense discretionary spending, a 16 percent increase, and $754 billion in defense spending, a 1.7 percent increase.
The President notes that,
read moreNSF Shares Mid-Scale Opportunities with SBE Scientists
On April 6, FABBS hosted a discussion with National Science Foundation (NSF) Assistant Director Arthur “Skip” Lupia, head of the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate. Dr. Lupia spoke with FABBS members about mid-scale and interdisciplinary opportunities for social and behavioral scientists. NSF will also host a webinar on these opportunities on April 15 at 4:00 p.m. ET. You can Register Here, and see Dr. Lupia’s Slide Presentation Here.
Two programs include
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