Build Back Better, Chief Data Scientist, Pitching Your Research
BU IN DC
School of Public Health Dean Sandro Galea delivered a book talk at a hybrid event hosted by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health and the Pulitzer Center on November 2nd.
Rena Conti of the Questrom School of Business moderated a panel during the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Industry Day on November 3rd.
PELL, NSF INCREASES NEARING A VOTE
The U.S. House of Representatives is poised to vote today on a revised budget reconciliation bill that reflects ongoing negotiations between the White House and Democratic lawmakers on President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better agenda. The $1.75 trillion bill would provide $3.5 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF), down from the $11 billion approved by the House this summer, with roughly half of the funds dedicated to a new NSF technology directorate. The new bill also includes a $550 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award for low-income students, $50 more than the original House-passed proposal. Funding for both fusion energy and climate research are proposed in the new bill, but previous proposals to create an Advanced Research Projects Agency – Health (ARPA-H) and ameliorate the endowment excise tax for certain colleges were both removed. Congressional Democrats anticipate making additional changes as they work to send the bill to the President by Thanksgiving.
BUZZ BITS…
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its draft strategic plan for 2022-2026, which includes new climate and environmental justice strategic goals. The agency is seeking feedback from stakeholders, including the academic community, through November 12th. The final plan will be submitted to Congress in February 2022.
- Denice W. Ross has joined the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as the U.S. Chief Data Scientist. Ms. Ross previously worked at several think tanks and co-led the Obama Administration’s Police Data Initiative.
- The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the White House Council on Environmental Quality convened the Biden Administration’s first Ocean Policy Committee meeting last week. The Committee discussed developing a climate mitigation action plan for oceans and a strategic oceans science and technology plan.
EVENTS NEWS YOU CAN USE
Join the BU Office of Research and BU Public Relations | Social Media for a virtual “Strategic Communications: Pitching and Writing Workshop with The Conversation” on Wednesday, November 17th at 3 p.m. Michelle McAdams of The Conversationwill talk with researchers of all disciplines about the best practices for pitching, drafting, and placement for a variety of media outlets. McAdams will also highlight how to take advantage of The Conversation, an influential media outlet that publishes content exclusively from academics and researchers, and work most effectively with its editorial staff.
A Note To Our Readers: Beltway BUzz will not publish next week due to the Veterans Day holiday.