Science
HUD to move into the National Science Foundation headquarters, no current plan on where to relocate NSF employees
The Department of Housing and Urban Development had previously announced its intention to sell its current headquarters, which requires more than $500 million in maintenance repairs.
Georgetown leverages ex-fed tech experts with new fellowship program
Tech policy experts and U.S. Digital Service alums will join an inaugural program that aims to advance civic technology, while offering experience and insights to public service-focused students.
DOGE reorganization of nuclear regulator prompts concerns about the agency’s continued focus on safety
President Donald Trump wants the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to lay off workers, while the agency has fallen short of its recruitment goals in recent years and struggled to replenish its aging workforce.
NIH director bemoans RIFs, mocks ‘5 things’ email and says agency shoulders blame for COVID outbreak in first address
New agency head also says some laid off employees may be recalled, including to help address supply shortages at labs and medical centers.
NOAA terminates space, climate and marine life advisory committees
Experts caution the groups play a key role in ensuring agencies use the best available science in their decision making.
168 employees fired at the National Science Foundation
“Panch has been conveniently absent throughout this whole time,” said an internal email an NSF worker sent to fellow colleagues, referring to Sethuraman Panchanathan, NSF’s director.
Advanced health research agency needs a strategic workforce plan, watchdog says
The GAO report also found ARPA-H, as of July 1, 2024, has not hired any scientists who are Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander or two or more races.
Trump and Harris are sharply divided on science, but share common ground on US technology policy
The candidates have demonstrated different budget priorities when it comes to the role of science and research funding in the federal government, but have taken similar approaches in the technology competition with China.
‘Bee doctors’ work to prevent colony collapse nets public service award
The work of two scientists from the Agriculture Department’s Agricultural Research Service to find new methods to diagnose and treat pathogens affecting bee health helped earn them the Service to America’s People’s Choice Award
PEER sues to force OPM to implement administrative leave reforms
Though Congress enacted a law aimed at ending agencies’ abuse of involuntary administrative leave, the federal government’s dedicated HR agency has yet to implement its key provisions.
Even short trips to space can change an astronaut’s biology
A new set of studies offers the most comprehensive look at spaceflight health since NASA’s Twins Study.
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Federal funding for major science agencies is at a 25-year low
Research funding is down in recent years despite promises made with the CHIPS and Science Act.
NSF’s ongoing major infrastructure project delays due to personnel, supply challenges, report says
Staffing challenges were partially at the root of delays for two of the agency’s construction facilities projects costing more than $100 million.
EPA union ratifies contract to protect employees’ scientific integrity
The deal also locks in a maximum of four days per week of telework, though labor leaders said that the agency will likely want to renegotiate the benefit after two years.
Biden just signed the largest executive order focused on women’s health
From maternal health to menopause, federal agencies will study the health issues that emerge across a woman’s lifespan.
State selects 4 new Science Envoys
Four U.S. scientists and researchers will work in the State Department’s Science Envoy Program representing the country's scientific interests and advancing international partnerships.
EPA has a new plan to protect career scientists, but some are questioning its efficacy
Solutions to concerns over accountability and reporting mechanisms are coming soon, EPA official says.
Scientific federal agencies have restaffed to pre-Trump levels
While the Biden administration is finding success in its hiring efforts, a report finds diversity efforts are lagging.
NASA’s robotic prospectors help scientists understand what asteroids are made of – setting the stage for miners to follow someday
Some companies hope to one day search for deposits that are literally out of this world — on asteroids.
Science group threatens lawsuit over OPM’s failure to implement limiting involuntary leave for feds accused of misconduct
Although Congress passed a law aimed at preventing federal workers accused of misconduct from being stuck in limbo in 2016, the federal government’s HR agency never issued regulations to implement the measure.
