Workforce
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.
Management
First revamped science policy falls short of fulfilling Biden’s promise to protect scientists, watchdogs say
As written, groups suggest the updated scientific integrity policy can be "weaponized by bad-faith actors.”
Oversight
GAO: USDA violated the Anti-Deficiency Act while planning its relocation of science agencies
House Democrats renewed calls to institute tighter regulation of agency relocations in light of the watchdog agency's findings.
Oversight
‘Wrongdoing’ likely in USDA maintenance of the nation’s largest agricultural research facility, OSC says
Union leaders said a recent winter flood of a building at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is just a symptom of systematic mismanagement of the facility.
Management
House Republicans Want NOAA to be an Independent Agency
Removing it from the Commerce Department would boost protections for scientists and eliminate "bureaucratic inefficiencies," they say.
Workforce
Agencies Would Have to Think Harder Before Relocating, Under a New Bill
The legislation comes after a watchdog agency concluded hastily conducted relocations during the Trump administration caused staff exoduses and harmed agencies’ service delivery.
Management
Federal Scientists Are Feeling More Empowered Under Biden, Though Censorship Remains a Concern
Employees "painted harrowing pictures" of their time under Trump, but in a new survey said things are mostly getting better.
Workforce
Biden’s New Policy to Protect Federal Scientists May Lack Teeth to Prevent Retaliation
The federal science community is concerned that the Biden administration is "blowing it" in its efforts to shield employees from undue influence and political retribution.
Oversight
Although USDA Agencies that Relocated to Kansas City Have Recovered from Staff Exoduses, Their Diversity Hasn’t
The Agriculture Department’s Economic Research Service and National Institutes of Food and Agriculture shed more than half their workforces following their relocation from Washington to Kansas City.
Oversight
America’s Biggest Museums Fail to Return Native American Human Remains
The remains of more than 100,000 Native Americans are held by prestigious U.S. institutions, despite a 1990 law meant to return them to tribal nations. Here’s how the ancestors were stolen — and how tribes are working to get them back.
Workforce
National Science Foundation Spearheads New Funding to Improve Diversity in AI Workforce
In collaboration with six other federal groups, the NSF will focus on expanding minority-serving university offerings in artificial intelligence and machine learning education.
Oversight
FDA 'Failed' the Public and a Whistleblower By Ignoring Science
The agency has tweaked its tobacco product review process and also pledges to better resolve scientific disputes after whistleblower alleges reprisal.
Tech
Artemis Launch Delay Is the Latest of Many NASA Scrubs and Comes from Hard Lessons on Crew Safety
After its fourth delay, the Artemis 1 launch is now scheduled for Nov. 16, 2022. NASA has a history of missing launch deadlines, but the private sector is slowly making launches more reliable.
Management
I Was a Presidential Science Adviser – Here Are the Many Challenges Arati Prabhakar Faces as She Takes Over President Biden’s Science Policy Office
The director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy plays a critical role in achieving the president’s science goals. Facilitating cooperation among the dozens of research agencies is key.
Tech
Women Are Better at Statistics Than They Think
Female statistics students had higher final exam grades than their male peers, even though they had less confidence in their statistics abilities at the start of the semester.
Management
Medicinal Marijuana Research at Agencies Gets A Boost from Bipartisan Bill
The measure is likely to sail through the Senate and could give federal physicians more latitude in discussing medical cannabis with their patients.
Management
To Prevent Another 'Sharpiegate,' House to Vote on Elevating Protections for Career Scientists at NOAA
An infamous incident under President Trump prompts lawmakers to look to better shield experts at NOAA from political interference.
Management
American Public Health Institutions Need to Rebuild Public Trust, University of Idaho Research Finds
Throughout the pandemic, many have spread false and misleading information about coronavirus vaccines and treatments.
Workforce
EEOC: Women Still Lag Far Behind Men in the Government’s STEM Workforce
A new report from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission digs into women in the government’s STEM workforce, showing gaps in overall participation, leadership and pay.
Tech