BUzz Bits
BU IN DC
Students in the Boston University Washington, DC Study Abroad Program met with staff in the offices of Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Representative Niki Tsongas (D-MA) on October 5.
BUZZ BITS…
- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) evaluated whether the United States adequately supports “research that could lead to transformational technological advances.” GAO’s report found that federal agencies should better collaborate in order to maintain leadership in both quantum computing and synthetic biology.
- The House Subcommittee on Information Technology issued a white paper detailing the impact of artificial intelligence on U.S. policy. The paper recommends federal investment in artificial intelligence research, education and training for the federal workforce, updates to federal privacy laws, and a review of existing federal regulations.
- The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is requesting comments on its update to the national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) research and development. Investigators with ideas on which emerging AI research topics the government should support should comment by October 26.
ENERGY RESEARCH BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
On September 28, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Department of Energy (DOE) Research and Innovation Act (Public Law 115-246), which sets Congressional research priorities for DOE’s Office of Science for the first time in nearly a decade. The new law provides guidance across all six programs in the Office, enshrining key activities into law while directing new research activity as well. The Act formally authorizes Energy Frontier Research Centers and Energy Innovation Hubs for the first time, creates both solar fuels and energy storage cross-program initiatives, and mandates research on the biological impacts of radiation in small quantities.
GRANTS NEWS YOU CAN USE
Are you searching for new funding opportunities in the social sciences? Federal Relations has updated its compendium of federal funding opportunities in the behavioral and social sciences, arts, and humanities on its website. The overview provides detailed information about a wide range of federal agencies and programs, including opportunities at the National Science Foundation, Department of Justice, Department of Education, and National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities.
A Note to Our Readers: With Congress departing for an extended District Work Period through the mid-term election, Beltway BUzz will not publish for the remainder of October. In the mean time, follow us on Twitter and visit our web site for updates. See you in November!