Committee Explores Space Weather Outlook
BU IN DC
The School of Education hosted an alumni event on April 18 attended by interim dean Catherine O’Connor.
Daniel Segrè of the College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Engineering participated in a meeting of the Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of Energy, of which he is a member, on April 25 and 26.
COMMITTEE EXPLORES SPACE WEATHER OUTLOOK
Two subcommittees of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee held a hearing on Thursday to examine the landscape surrounding space weather research and observation. The panel of witnesses from federal research agencies and industry provided a comprehensive overview of current capabilities to assess space weather and what needs to be done to better protect against a disruptive event. Lawmakers all expressed support for strengthening interagency coordination to improve preparedness for a potential event and involving industry in these efforts.
COURTS WEIGH IN ON IMMIGRATION POLICIES
The Trump Administration’s controversial immigration policies received additional scrutiny from the U.S. Supreme Court this week. The Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday regarding the legality of travel restrictions placed on individuals from eight countries. A final decision is expected to be announced in June. Also on Wednesday, a federal judge ruled that the Trump Administration acted unlawfully when it ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and its protections must stay in place. It is the third federal court to rule against the program’s termination.
GRANTS NEWS YOU CAN USE
The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy released a $106 million funding opportunity to advance the development of photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal power technologies, as well as workforce development in the solar power industry. This is the first time the office has released a comprehensive funding opportunity to take a holistic approach to solar research and development, with a focus on four areas: advanced solar systems integration technologies, concentrating solar thermal power research and development, photovoltaic research and development, and improving and expanding the solar industry workforce. Letters of intent are due May 4, and full proposals are due June 26.