Tag

National Science Foundation

All articles tagged with #national science foundation

science-policy1 month ago•56 min saved

White House Dismisses Entire NSF Board, Sparking Science-Policy Alarm

The White House fired the entire National Science Board that oversees the NSF, leaving the agency without a board, director, or deputy and offering a rationale linked to a 2021 Supreme Court decision. Critics warn the move could undermine NSF’s independence and hand more control to the executive branch, risking instability in U.S. scientific leadership; lawmakers and scientific groups urge oversight and a rapid reestablishment of governance with diverse expertise while leadership vacancies are addressed.

via Inside Higher Ed|

#national-science-board #national-science-foundation #research-funding

politics1 month ago•32 min saved

Trump Admin Dismisses Entire National Science Board

President Donald Trump's administration terminated the entire 22-member National Science Board, which oversees the NSF and advises Congress on science policy, effective immediately with no reason given. Fired members Yolanda Gil and Keivan Stassun confirmed the move; the board historically included academics, national labs, non-profits and industry. The White House said the board's governing authorities may need updating and that NSF's work continues, while observers view the action as part of a broader effort to reshape independent federal science bodies by installing loyalists.

via Yahoo|

#donald-trump #national-science-board #national-science-foundation

world1 year ago•3 min saved

16 States Sue Trump Over $1.4 Billion in Scientific Research Cuts

Sixteen states sued the Trump administration to block $1.4 billion in NSF funding cuts, arguing that these reductions violate laws and threaten U.S. leadership in science and diversity efforts in STEM fields, with over 1,700 grants canceled and significant financial impacts on research institutions.

via The New York Times|

#diversity-in-stem #funding-cuts #lawsuit

science-and-technology1 year ago•2 min saved

Report Reveals Arecibo Telescope's Collapse Linked to Its Own Radar

A report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has identified "zinc creep" as the cause of the Arecibo Observatory's radio telescope collapse in Puerto Rico. The zinc-filled sockets supporting the steel cables failed, leading to the platform's fall. The report suggests low-current electroplasticity may have accelerated the zinc's deformation. Recommendations include further study of the remaining components and better monitoring of aging facilities. The telescope, once a key research tool, will not be rebuilt, but a $5 million education center is planned for the site.

via NBC News|

#arecibo-observatory #national-science-foundation #radio-telescope

astronomy2 years ago•5 min saved

"Uncertain Future: America's Dilemma with Two Giant Telescopes"

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is facing a budget cap that may force it to choose between funding the construction of either the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) or the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), both American-led projects. The proposed cap is less than the projected cost of either telescope, potentially jeopardizing one of the projects. The decision could impact the global coverage of astronomical observations, as each telescope has been designed to complement the other in different hemispheres. The NSF's decision will have significant implications for the future of ground-based astronomy and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

via IFLScience|

#astronomy #giant-magellan-telescope #national-science-foundation

science2 years ago•2 min saved

"NSF Approves Funding for One Giant Telescope, Threatening Future of US Astronomy"

The National Science Board has recommended that the United States commit $1.6 billion to build an "extremely large telescope," but the decision on which of the two competing proposals, the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile or the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii, remains uncertain. With each telescope expected to cost over $3 billion, funding even one would consume most of the National Science Foundation's typical construction budget, prompting consideration of broader priorities and potential impact on other disciplines.

via The New York Times|

#astronomy #giant-magellan-telescope #national-science-foundation

astronomy2 years ago•17 min saved

"NSF Approves Funding for One Giant U.S. Telescope, Threatening Future of Another"

The future of US astronomy has been compromised as the National Science Foundation has decided to only contribute to the construction of one extremely large telescope instead of two, despite the recommendations of the National Academies of Sciences in the Astro2020 decadal report. Ground-based telescopes are crucial for various reasons, including their versatility, maintenance, and upgradeability. The decision to limit funding for ground-based facilities could hinder the US's leadership in astronomy and astrophysics, and impact the nation's ability to make groundbreaking discoveries about the Universe.

via Big Think|

#astronomy #future-of-astronomy #ground-based-telescopes

astronomy2 years ago•4 min saved

"US Funding Cap Threatens Giant Telescopes"

The US National Science Board has recommended capping the National Science Foundation's contributions to giant telescope projects at $1.6 billion, potentially forcing the agency to choose between funding the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile or the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii due to a funding shortfall. The decision could impact US astronomers' access to these telescopes and their ability to conduct groundbreaking astronomical research, with implications for US leadership in astronomy.

via Nature.com|

#astronomy #funding-cap #giant-magellan-telescope

government-and-policy2 years ago•8 min saved

"White House Boosts Economic Growth with $530 Million Innovation Awards Across America"

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the recipients of over $530 million in investment through the U.S. National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines program, aiming to boost economic growth and innovation in 10 U.S. regions over the next decade. These investments will focus on various sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy, sustainable textiles, climate-resilient agriculture, regenerative medicine, and more. The program, authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, aims to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities across communities, aligning with President Biden's economic vision. Additionally, the NSF is inviting 15 other teams to pursue NSF Regional Innovation Engine Development Awards, further diversifying and expanding the program's impact across the country.

via The White House|

#biden-harris-administration #economic-growth #government-and-policy

technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Tech Titans Join Forces with Biden Administration for National AI Research Initiative"

The National Science Foundation and 10 other government agencies are teaming up with major AI developers to launch the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot program, which aims to democratize access to AI research resources for US-based researchers. Partners such as Microsoft and Nvidia have pledged support, with Microsoft donating $20 million in Azure credits and access to AI models, and Nvidia providing access to its DGX Cloud and AI Enterprise software. The program will focus on enabling access to diverse AI resources, research in healthcare and environmental sustainability, and educating and training communities in using AI tools.

via The Verge|

#ai-research #artificial-intelligence #microsoft

technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Tech Giants Collaborate with US Government to Launch National AI Research Resource Program"

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has partnered with major tech companies and federal agencies to launch the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot program, aimed at providing researchers and educators with access to high-powered AI technologies. The program, born out of President Biden’s AI executive order, will serve as a framework for advancing AI technologies and ensuring the US remains a leader in AI research and innovation. Participating companies and agencies include Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, IBM, DARPA, NASA, and others, who are making in-kind contributions to provide access to their AI services and resources.

via Yahoo Finance|

#ai #government-partnership #national-science-foundation

science-and-technology2 years ago•4 min saved

"NSF Director Highlights National Impact of US Antarctic Research"

The Director of the US National Science Foundation (NSF), Sethuraman Panchanathan, and Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas argue that US involvement in Antarctic research is crucial for scientific advancement, engineering breakthroughs, educational opportunities, and national security. They emphasize the geopolitical significance of Antarctica and the need for continued investment in research infrastructure to maintain a technological and innovative edge. The unique conditions in Antarctica support a wide range of research, including astronomical studies, geophysics, glaciology, and ocean systems. Additionally, they highlight the importance of providing diverse students with hands-on learning opportunities in STEM fields to solve complex global challenges.

via Ars Technica|

#antarctica #national-science-foundation #national-security

science2 years ago•1 min saved

Antarctica Research Base Under Investigation for Sexual Violence Allegations

The National Science Foundation's Office of Inspector General is sending investigators to McMurdo Station in Antarctica after a report last year revealed concerns about sexual assault and harassment at the U.S. research base. The investigators will spend two weeks at the station to prepare for a future on-site presence and meet with staff. The report, based on interviews, surveys, and focus groups, highlighted issues of sexual misconduct within the Antarctic program. McMurdo Station is the main U.S. station in Antarctica and conducts research on various topics including glaciers, wildlife, and climate change.

via The New York Times|

#antarctica #investigation #national-science-foundation

crime2 years ago•4 min saved

"Alleged Antarctic Assailant Relocated to Isolated Icefield with Inexperienced Students"

Documents obtained by The Associated Press reveal that a man accused of assaulting a woman at a U.S. research station in Antarctica was subsequently sent to a remote icefield to protect a professor and three young graduate students, where he remained for a week after a warrant for his arrest was issued. The National Science Foundation (NSF) declined to comment on why the man was sent to the field while under investigation, raising further questions about decision-making within the U.S. Antarctic Program. This comes after an AP investigation uncovered a pattern of sexual harassment and assault claims being minimized by employers at McMurdo Station. The NSF's watchdog office is now expanding its investigative mission to include crimes such as sexual assault and stalking. The man has pleaded not guilty and the case is set to go to trial.

via Yahoo News|

#antarctica #assault #crime

society2 years ago•3 min saved

Sexual Assault Allegations Prompt Investigation in Antarctica

Investigators from the National Science Foundation's watchdog office are traveling to Antarctica to address allegations of sexual misconduct at U.S. research stations. The visit comes after a damning report revealed a culture of harassment and assault within the U.S. Antarctic Program. The report found that 59% of women surveyed had experienced sexual harassment or assault, and 95% knew someone who had been assaulted or harassed. The investigation also highlighted fears of retaliation and a lack of reporting due to concerns of being blacklisted or sent home. The NSF is taking steps to strengthen its presence in Antarctica and has appointed a new special assistant to address sexual assault and harassment prevention and response.

via NPR|

#antarctica #harassment #national-science-foundation