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.
Q&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
read moreA Possible Path Forward for FY 2021 and COVID-19 Relief
June 4th, 2020
As states start to reopen and the country approaches the presidential election, Congress is considering how to move forward with any additional COVID-19 stimulus packages and the 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2021.
Last month, the House passed, along party lines, the “Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions.” The HEROES Act would provide more than $3 trillion to federal agencies, state and local governments, small businesses, and individuals.
read moreSocieties Consortium Provides Guidance on Inclusivity in Virtual Meetings
June 4th, 2020
The Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM held a virtual conference on May 21st entitled “Effective Approaches to Adopting Inclusive Conduct and Honors Policies”. While virtual meetings have the potential to faciliate access for some people, they can also create additional complications for vulnerable groups. In some cases, proper measures and sensitivity can address these barriers. Interacting in cyberspace is known to elicit a different set of
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