2017 Archives

NSF looks to focus on social, behavioral and economic sciences
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recently released a report stating that funding research in social, behavioral, and economic sciences benefits society and the country’s well-being. The NSF will now engage in strategic planning sessions and roundtable discussions to determine the Foundation’s next steps following the release of the report.

Investment in basic scientific research can support economic growth
Many companies, including small businesses, can benefit from basic science research. The Science Coalition recently released a report highlighting how federally funded basic scientific research can stimulate economic growth.

Video showcase illustrates diverse federally-funded STEM education projects
STEM for All is spending the week of May 15-22 celebrating the federally funded research that supports education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The video showcase not only serves to highlight STEM education topics, but also to cultivate research discussion and exchange of ideas while focusing on the importance of STEM learning.

Department of Defense Funding and Grant Writing Workshop
Mark your calendars! The Office of the Vice Provost for Research will be hosting a funding and grant writing workshop for all faculty and staff in Duke University and the School of Medicine. The workshop, focusing on the world of DoD funding, will be held on Monday, June 26 from 8 AM-12 PM at the Duke South Amphitheatre. Register here! Please email Maggie Crumbo for more information, mc361@duke.edu.

Broader impacts need not be ‘one size fits all’
Scientists often struggle to find broader impacts and outreach that suit their research as well as their interests, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Organizations like the National Alliance for Broader Impacts work alongside scientists to highlight the importance of their research while improving scientific communication and outreach to the general community.

US House emphasizes research should serve ‘national interest’
New provisions in US innovation laws and oversight plans from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology have stipulated that NSF-funded research must serve “the national interest”. While this has been a focus of the NSF since its formation, the provisions are sparking debate among scientists and policy-makers alike.

‘COMPETES’ Renewal Clears Senate Committee
The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (S 3084) would authorize a four percent increase in fiscal 2018 for the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Standards and Technology. The Association of American Universities, which represents leading research institutions, says the bill “contains several provisions we support.” For one thing, it “clarifies that a legitimate means to achieve broader impacts on NSF grant proposals is for researchers to focus on improving in-class instruction of undergraduate classes in the scientific disciplines that relate to their NSF-funded research.”