FYI: Science Policy News

This week in science policy: - DOE and big tech throw support behind nuclear - Biden appoints new members to National Science Board - NASA reviewing new concepts for Mars Sample Return - Semiconductor packaging gets a boost Click the link to see our news roundup, upcoming science policy events, and job opportunities: https://lnkd.in/eBm6A9zY

Science Leaders Prepare Pitch for National Defense Education Act 2.0 Efforts to develop a nationwide STEM talent strategy modeled on the National Defense Education Act of 1958 are making progress, with advocates planning to present a proposal to the incoming administration this December. Passing a new NDEA, or NDEA 2.0, is something that past and present leaders of the National Science Board have said is necessary to inspire more children to pursue science careers, boost funding for basic research, and fend off growing technological competition from China. With the upcoming presidential election, now is a “moment of opportunity to address the domestic STEM talent crisis,” said Darío Gil, chair of the National Science Board and director of IBM Research, during a meeting of the National Academies Board on Higher Education and Workforce on Oct. 11. Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/eypWz7HC

Scientists Turn to AI While Lawmakers Consider Guidelines One of the primary obstacles to using AI in research is the inability to validate the accuracy of a model’s work. Lawmakers and government scientists have proposed solutions to this problem, and AI developers are chipping away at it. For example, the most recent OpenAI model, o1, was built to use a “chain of thought" that enables some insight into the processes that led to its conclusions. In the meantime, researchers are finding their own ways to use "black-box" AI and partially validate their results. There are currently no established standards for validating the accuracy of black-box AI models, but lawmakers and scientists have expressed support for the development of such standards. In July, Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the Validation and Evaluation for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Act, which would require the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop voluntary guidelines for validating and evaluating AI systems. At the same time, other lawmakers have introduced major legislation that would bolster the use of AI in science, like the Department of Energy AI Act. Researchers, federally funded and otherwise, are also moving forward in their exploration of AI as a research tool. For instance, the Climate Modeling Group at the Department of Energy, led by Peter Caldwell, is using AI models called emulators to run thousands or millions of physics-based simulations to help distinguish between climate change signals and normal weather variability. Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/eqgsH6Vz

This week in science policy: - White House releases National Spectrum Research and Development Plan - OSTP releases prelude to National Science and Technology Strategy - Experts discuss priorities and challenges ahead for NDEA 2.0 - Hurricanes disrupt research and NASA probe launch Click the link to see our news roundup, upcoming science policy events, and job opportunities: https://lnkd.in/eK-u3Wz9

Space Weather Sectors Need Better Data, Survey Finds The first user needs survey from the Space Weather Advisory Group found that users of space weather forecasts and observations see a need for more granular and accessible data. A report based on the survey concludes that space weather research should adopt a systems-based approach that unites the goals of currently disparate observations and efforts. SWAG, an advisory body administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, reported the results of this first survey in September. The report enables space weather community members to give input into the priorities of the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation Subcommittee of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, said SWAG chair Tamara Dickinson. “Now it’s for SWORM and the SWORM agencies to figure out if and how they want to implement these recommendations,” Dickinson said. “They’re going to have to pick and choose depending on the funding.” The report identifies several needs across the surveyed commercial and academic sectors, including specificity of measurements and forecasts, support for education in space weather, and accessible data. Furthermore, every sector has needs that depend on research activities, Dickinson said, which would benefit from a systems-based approach to planning and investment and the development of greater observational capabilities. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eyWE7BTA

This week in science policy: - DOE adds two companies to Fermilab management team - NSF board chair pitching new National Defense Education Act - OSTP marks progress on scientific integrity - Science groups seeking science policy fellows Click the link to see our news roundup, upcoming science policy events, and job opportunities: https://lnkd.in/ebuqb64e

This week in science policy: - CHIPS Workforce and Manufacturing Programs Issue First Awards - DOE AI Research Legislation Gaining Momentum - House Republicans Press Case Against US-China Research Ties - New Space Commerce Advisory Panel Begins Work Click the link to see our news roundup, upcoming science policy events, and job opportunities: https://lnkd.in/ehm36DQ4

After Latest ITER Delay, Senators Quiz Fusion Experts over Commercial Reactor Timelines Fusion energy experts expressed fresh optimism at a Senate hearing this week about the prospect of commercializing fusion energy, despite some skepticism from senators over their projected timelines. Fusion research company Helion Energy is “on track to have the first-ever commercially operating fusion plant in 2028” as part of a power purchase agreement with Microsoft, said Jackie Siebens, director of public affairs at the company. Meanwhile, the head of the Department of Energy’s fusion program, Jean Paul Allain, said he believes pilot fusion plants are possible “in the 2030s,” while adding that there are some approaches that could “get there even faster.” Senators expressed support for continuing to pursue fusion energy, especially amid competition from China, but were doubtful that the technology is around the corner. Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/eBdPRNGw

House Pushes to Resurrect China Initiative The House approved legislation last week that would reinstate the Department of Justice’s controversial China Initiative over the objections of critics who argue it was biased against Asian American academics. The bill passed on a vote of 237-180, with support from 214 Republicans and 23 Democrats. The White House has pledged to oppose it. The Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act would require the DOJ to launch a “CCP Initiative” that aims to “curb spying by the Chinese Communist Party on United States intellectual property and academic institutions,” among other goals. Continue reading: https://lnkd.in/eEUsJHwc

This week in science policy: - Senators to Examine Progress in Fusion Energy - AI Legislation Advancing - NSF Seeks Input on Research Ethics and Merit Reviews - Europa Clipper Probe Entering Final Preparations - Georgia Tech Ending Partnership with Chinese University Click the link to see our news roundup, upcoming science policy events, and job opportunities: https://lnkd.in/eMRT5Mwz