FY 2018 Omnibus Funding Bill Signed into Law by President Trump
On March 23, President Trump signed into law the $1.3 trillion FY18 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 1625). The omnibus provides an increase of $80 billion in defense spending and $63 billion for nondefense programs, over FY 2017, as agreed to in the budget deal passed in February. The Biophysical Society released a statement applauding Congress for the increased investment in science research included in the budget. These increases including a $3 billion increase for NIH, a $300 million increase for NSF, and a $1 billion increase for the Department of Energy Office of Science.
Robert R. Redfield Named Director of the CDC
The Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar has named Robert R. Redfield, M.D., as the 18th Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Redfield’s work focuses on clinical research and clinical care related to HIV. He was previously at the University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology. Redfield replaces Brenda Fitzgerald, who resigned in January.
NIH is Soliciting Input on its Strategic Plan for Data Science
NIH wants to hear from stakeholders, including members of the scientific community, about the Institutes’ first strategic plan for data science. This plan describes NIH’s overarching goals, strategic objectives, and implementation tactics for promoting the modernization of the NIH-funded biomedical data science ecosystem. Read the Request for Information and the draft strategic plan for more information. Responses are due April 2.
Transforming the World through Science
The National Science Foundation has released its 2nd edition of Transforming the World through Science. The report provides examples of NSF-funded research and information on the investments made by the agency.
March for Science on April 14
The Biophysical Society is proud to once again be a partner of the March for Science, a global organization that advocates for equitable evidence-based science policies. Members are encouraged to participate in one of the more than 70 marches scheduled around the globe on April 14, 2018. The focus of the marches will be on holding political leaders accountable for passing equitable, evidence-based policies that serve all people and all communities. Information on the March, including locations and how to participate is available at https://www.marchforscience.com/.
Visit BPS at the USA Science and Engineering Festival
The Biophysical Society is participating in the USA Science and Engineering Festival, April 6 –8, 2018, in Washington, DC, as an official partner and an exhibitor. Visit us at booth 921! The festival attracted over 365,000 visitors the last time it was held in 2016. Those attending have the opportunity to hear from famous science ambassadors, meet acting scientists, and learn about science, engineering, and math through hands-on activities. For more information, visit the Society’s website (include link to new site biophysics week page) and the Festival’s website www.usasciencefestival.org.
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