What Could Biden Mean for Research?
BU IN DC
Kevin Gallagher of the Global Development Policy Center hosted a webinar on China and the international monetary system with Dr. Zhongxia Jin, the executive director for the People’s Republic of China at the International Monetary Fund, on November 12th.
WHAT COULD BIDEN MEAN FOR RESEARCH?
As President-elect Joseph Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris prepare to take office in January, Beltway BUzz will occasionally highlight what the higher education community can expect from the new administration.
The Biden-Harris campaign has made science a cornerstone of its agenda, with the candidates saying they will listen to scientists and take quick action on the coronavirus pandemic, racial justice, and climate change. The Biden Administration is expected to launch new research initiatives on cancer, infectious diseases, and climate science, while maintaining existing federal initiatives on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced materials. In addition, science agencies are expected to focus on expanding participation in science by underrepresented minorities and women and promoting safe and inclusive research environments. The new administration is also likely to reverse the Trump Administration’s limitations on fetal tissue research.
BUZZ BITS…
- On Wednesday, Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA) was elected assistant speaker of the House Democratic Caucus, the fourth highest Democratic leadership position in the chamber. Clark, whose district includes Framingham and Medford, previously served as vice chair of the Caucus. Her ascension in leadership gives the Commonwealth a prominent voice in Washington, D.C.
- The Biden-Harris Transition announced on Tuesday that Annie Tomasini (CAS ’02) will serve as director of Oval Office operations when the President-elect assumes office in January 2021. She has previously served in a variety of roles for Biden during his time on the campaign, as Vice President, and in the U.S. Senate.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently issued its final policy for data management and sharing by NIH grantees, aimed at promoting and standardizing the sharing of data generated from federally-funded biomedical research. Starting in 2023, applicants for NIH extramural funding will have to submit a data plan when submitting a proposal.
EVENTS NEWS YOU CAN USE
Join the Office of Research on December 2nd at 4 pm for a virtual Research on Tap about “Wearables and Biosensors for Environmental and Human Health.” Hosted by Professor Catherine Klapperich of the College of Engineering, the session will feature microtalks by BU researchers from an array of disciplines who are exploring how biosensing technologies and data analytics can drive new hypotheses and solutions for better health. Following the talks, members of the BU community can connect with peer researchers working in the field.
A Note to Our Readers: Beltway BUzz will not publish next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. We wish you a healthy and safe holiday and will resume publication in December.