NIH Leader, Defense Research, Alzheimer’s Research
BU IN DC
Associate Provost for Computing & Data Sciences Azer Bestavros attended a virtual meeting of the National Science Foundation’s Computer & Information Science & Engineering Advisory Committee, of which he is a member, on December 6th and 7th.
Nahid Bhadelia of the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy & Research participated in a telephone town hall meeting hosted by Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL) (CAS ’70) on December 7th.
Jorge Heine of the Pardee School of Global Studies spoke on a panel addressing governance challenges in Haiti hosted by The Wilson Center on December 8th.
BUZZ BITS…
- On Thursday, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that Principal Deputy Director Lawrence Tabak will serve as acting director of NIH after Director Francis Collins steps down on December 19th. Tabak has been at the NIH for more than two decades. The Biden Administration is expected to announce a nominee to permanently lead the NIH before the end of the year.
- The National Space Council unveiled a U.S. space priorities framework on December 1st, at the body’s first meeting under the leadership of the Biden Administration. Many of the priorities are unchanged from the previous administration, but the framework places new emphasis on combating climate change and expanding STEM education.
- On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Rachael Rollins as U.S. attorney for Massachusetts. She will be the first Black woman to hold the role. Ms. Rollins is currently the district attorney for Suffolk County in Massachusetts.
HOUSE APPROVES DEFENSE POLICY BILL
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Tuesday, a bill that would set next year’s priorities for the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill authorizes additional support for biotechnology for challenging environments, artificial intelligence and digital technology, a second iteration of the electronics resurgence initiative, and a national network for microelectronics research and development. The measure would also bolster DOD’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Programs and its Minerva Initiative, which funds social science research. Prior to House passage, legislators removed provisions related to malign foreign influence in research, such as a proposal to require research security training for all personnel funded by Defense grants. The U.S. Senate is expected to pass the bill and send it to President Joe Biden for approval before the end of the year.
EVENTS NEWS YOU CAN USE
Interested in funding to support dementia research? The Office of Research and Foundation Relations are hosting a virtual workshop for BU investigators with the Alzheimer’s Association on Thursday, December 16th at 12 p.m. The Alzheimer’s Association supports research across the spectrum of dementia science, including projects that advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, identify new treatment strategies, improve care and support for people with dementia and their families, and further knowledge of brain health and disease prevention. This workshop will help acquaint researchers at BU with the Association’s mission, funding priorities, programs, and grant application protocols.