OSTP Nominee, Humanities Funding, Nutrition & Health
BU IN DC
Roscoe Giles of the College of Engineering participated in a meeting of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Scientific Computing Advisory Committee, of which he is a member, on July 21st and 22nd.
SENATE HEARS FROM OSTP NOMINEE
On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Dr. Arati Prabhakar as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). In her testimony, Dr. Prabhakar acknowledged the need to develop a respectful workplace culture at OSTP in the wake of allegations of bullying under the previous director; she pledged to make it a top priority if confirmed. Senators questioned Dr. Prabhakar about climate change research, increasing National Science Foundation support for institutions in states that historically don’t receive significant funds, cybersecurity, and broadening participation in science. Next, the Committee will vote on Prabhakar’s nomination and send it to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.
BUZZ BITS…
- On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to increase funding for research programs at the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Endowment for the Humanities by 7% and 14%, respectively, in fiscal year 2023. Lawmakers rejected an amendment to reduce funding for the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities by more than $100 million. The U.S. Senate has not yet unveiled its version of the spending bills, which will need to be reconciled with the House version before a final package can be sent to the White House.
- The House passed the annual defense policy bill (H.R. 7900) last week. The measure includes a provision to create a limited visa program for immigrant scientists who are engaged in research related to national security. The Senate is expected to take up its version of the National Defense Authorization Act this fall.
- The White House is hosting a virtual Roundtable on Ensuring Safety and Opportunity in STEM Environments: Preventing and Addressing Identity-based Harassment today at 1 p.m. Eastern. Participants will reflect on the 50th anniversary of Title IX and discuss both advancements in and barriers to women’s participation in science.
AGENCY NEWS YOU CAN USE
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Nutrition Research (ONR) released a request for information (RFI) on the impact of diet, food environment, and related exposures on the developmental origins of health and diseases (DOHaD). NIH is seeking responses to inform the agency’s future research on the effects of parental health and nutritional status and eating behaviors during pregnancy and in early developmental stages on their children’s growth, eating patterns, and vulnerability to diet-related diseases. The RFI specifically solicits input on topics including research gaps on DOHaD, women’s health, or child development; relevant social determinants for vulnerable or underrepresented populations; practices to address barriers and gaps in this research; potential pre- or periconceptual interventions; and projected challenges in data collection. Responses are due by August 15th.